US20180180943A1 - Planar light source apparatus, display apparatus, and method of manufacturing planar light source apparatus - Google Patents
Planar light source apparatus, display apparatus, and method of manufacturing planar light source apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20180180943A1 US20180180943A1 US15/830,702 US201715830702A US2018180943A1 US 20180180943 A1 US20180180943 A1 US 20180180943A1 US 201715830702 A US201715830702 A US 201715830702A US 2018180943 A1 US2018180943 A1 US 2018180943A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
- G02F1/133603—Direct backlight with LEDs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
- G02F1/133605—Direct backlight including specially adapted reflectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
- G02F1/133606—Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
- G02F1/133606—Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members
- G02F1/133607—Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members the light controlling member including light directing or refracting elements, e.g. prisms or lenses
-
- G02F2001/133607—
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a planar light source apparatus that emits planar light, a display apparatus that displays an image on a display panel by the display panel being illuminated by the planar light source apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus.
- the liquid crystal display apparatus includes, as a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, a backlight apparatus, that is, a planar light source apparatus, on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel.
- a backlight apparatus that is, a planar light source apparatus, on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel.
- One structure of the backlight apparatus is a direct illumination-type backlight apparatus in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) are arranged.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the backlight apparatus can mathematically attain the same brightness as the conventional backlight apparatuses.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-286608 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38697 discloses a backlight apparatus that spreads light rays emitted from an LED with a cylindrical lens, thereby converting into planar illumination light.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a planar light source apparatus that exhibits high robustness in relation to disposition of a light-distribution control element and a holding substrate, or disposition of the light-distribution control element and a light source, and improves productivity.
- the planar light source apparatus of the present invention includes a light source, a holding substrate that holds a light source at a main surface, and a light-distribution control element that is disposed at the main surface of the holding substrate so as to cover the light source, and changes light distribution of light rays emitted from the light source.
- the light-distribution control element includes a diffusion part that is provided at at least one surface of a plurality of surfaces structuring an outer shape of the light-distribution control element.
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part is provided is a surface different from an installation surface capable of abutting on the main surface of the holding substrate.
- FIG. 1 is a section view showing the structure of a liquid crystal display apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a section view showing around a light source of a planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing disposition of light sources of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a reflector of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment
- FIGS. 5 to 9 are diagrams each showing light rays emitted from light sources of a planar light source apparatus according to an underlying technology
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment and light rays emitted from the light source;
- FIG. 11 is a section view showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 12 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment
- FIG. 13 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment
- FIG. 14 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment
- FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment and light rays emitted from the light source;
- FIG. 16 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the fourth preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a fifth preferred embodiment.
- the display apparatus is exemplarily described as a liquid crystal display apparatus
- the display panel included in the display apparatus is exemplarily described as a liquid crystal panel.
- FIG. 1 is a section view that schematically shows the structure of a planar light source apparatus 200 and a liquid crystal display apparatus 100 including the same according to a first preferred embodiment which will be described later.
- FIG. 1 is a section view that schematically shows the structure of a planar light source apparatus 200 and a liquid crystal display apparatus 100 including the same according to a first preferred embodiment which will be described later.
- the long-side direction of the liquid crystal panel 1 is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing, and the short-side direction is the right-left direction of the drawing.
- the x-axis direction is the horizontal direction and the y-axis direction is the vertical direction.
- the upper side of the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 is in the positive direction on the y axis (+y-axis direction), and the lower side thereof is in the negative direction on the y axis ( ⁇ y-axis direction).
- the direction in which the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 displays an image is the positive direction on the z axis (+z-axis direction), and the direction opposite thereto is the negative direction on the z axis ( ⁇ z-axis direction).
- the +z-axis direction is referred to as a display surface side.
- the ⁇ z-axis direction is referred to as a rear surface side.
- the right side is the positive direction on the x axis (+x-axis direction)
- the left side is the negative direction on the x axis ( ⁇ x-axis direction).
- the term “the y-axis direction” includes both the +y-axis direction and the ⁇ y-axis direction. This is not limited to the first preferred embodiment, and the same holds true to other preferred embodiments.
- FIG. 1 is a section view schematically showing the structure of the planar light source apparatus 200 and the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 including the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment.
- the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 includes a liquid crystal panel 1 of the transmissive type, and the planar light source apparatus 200 . Further, the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 further includes, between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the planar light source apparatus 200 , optical sheets 2 and 3 . Further, a diffuser 4 is disposed at the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 . That is, the diffuser 4 is provided at an opening 53 of the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- the liquid crystal panel 1 From the +z-axis direction to the ⁇ z-axis direction in order, the liquid crystal panel 1 , the optical sheets 2 and 3 , the diffuser 4 , and the planar light source apparatus 200 are disposed.
- the liquid crystal panel 1 has a rear surface 1 b that opposes to the planar light source apparatus 200 via the optical sheets 2 and 3 . Further, the liquid crystal panel 1 has a display surface 1 a on the side opposite to the rear surface 1 b .
- the rear surface 1 b is a surface oriented in the ⁇ z-axis direction of the liquid crystal panel 1
- the display surface 1 a is a surface oriented in the +z-axis direction thereof.
- the display surface 1 a has a planar quadrangular shape.
- the display surface 1 a has a plane that spreads in the direction parallel to the x-y plane. Further, the longs sides in the x-axis direction and the short sides in the y-axis direction structuring the plane are perpendicular to each other. Note that, the shape of the display surface 1 a described above is merely an example, and may be different. Further, the liquid crystal panel 1 includes a liquid crystal layer (not shown), and the liquid crystal layer has a planar structure that spreads in the direction parallel to the x-y plane.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 emits planar light from the diffuser 4 , and illuminates the rear surface 1 b of the liquid crystal panel 1 through the optical sheets 3 and 2 .
- the optical sheet 3 has a function of directing the light emitted from the diffuser 4 normal to the display surface 1 a of the liquid crystal panel 1 .
- the optical sheet 2 reduces minor unevenness in the illumination light and reduces optical malfunction.
- the liquid crystal panel 1 converts the illumination light input from the rear surface 1 b into image light.
- the “image light” means light that has image information.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 includes a light-distribution control element 6 , a light source 7 , and a holding substrate 8 . Further, in the present preferred embodiment, the planar light source apparatus 200 further includes a reflector 5 and a housing 10 .
- the reflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing the light-distribution control element 6 and the light source 7 .
- the reflector 5 includes a bottom surface 51 , a side surface 52 , and an opening 53 .
- the housing 10 is a member that holds and houses the reflector 5 and the holding substrate 8 .
- the reflector 5 is disposed along the inner wall of the housing 10 . Reflecting the shape of the reflector 5 , the housing 10 has a container shape, including an opening at its upper part, that is, in the direction where the liquid crystal panel 1 is disposed.
- the material of the housing 10 is, for example, resin or a metal plate.
- FIG. 2 is a section view showing around the light source 7 of the planar light source apparatus 200 in an enlarged manner.
- the light source 7 is disposed at a main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 is disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 so as to cover the light source 7 .
- the outer shape of the holding substrate 8 is elongated in the x-axis direction. That is, the outer shape of the holding substrate 8 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 , and the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 which will be described later. Further, in a plan view, the holding substrate 8 is quadrangular plate-like. Still further, the holding substrate 8 has the main surface 81 .
- the main surface 81 is the front surface of the holding substrate 8 , which front surface is, for example, an installation surface.
- the holding substrate 8 is an installation substrate where the light sources 7 which will be described later are installed at its main surface 81 .
- the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 includes, for example, a white resist layer or a white silk layer on a resist layer, and has a function as a reflecting surface.
- the holding substrate 8 at which the light sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 are disposed is held at a bottom surface 10 a of the housing 10 .
- the surface of the holding substrate 8 held at the bottom surface 10 a of the housing 10 is a rear surface 82 on the side opposite to the main surface 81 .
- the rear surface 82 of the holding substrate 8 is a surface of the holding substrate 8 oriented in the ⁇ z-axis direction.
- the rear surface 82 of the holding substrate 8 transfers the heat generated by the light sources 7 to the housing 10 through the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 , to dissipate the heat.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 may be, for example, provided with a heat dissipation sheet between the holding substrate 8 and the housing 10 , to enhance the heat dissipation effect.
- the light source 7 is disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the planar light source apparatus 200 includes a plurality of light sources.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light sources 7 disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- FIG. 3 does not show the light-distribution control element 6 disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- Each of light sources 7 is arranged in a row at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 discretely, that is, at predetermined intervals.
- the arrangement direction is the x-axis direction.
- a rear surface 72 that is a surface of the light source 7 oriented in the ⁇ z-axis direction is in contact with the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 . Accordingly, the light sources 7 are held at the holding substrate 8 . Further, the light sources 7 are electrically connected to the holding substrate 8 , and the light sources 7 are each supplied with power via the rear surface 72 . Further, in the first preferred embodiment, the surfaces of each light source 7 other than the rear surface 72 are light emission surfaces. For example, a front surface 71 opposite to the rear surface 72 of each light source 7 is a light emission surface. Alternatively, for example, when the light sources 7 are each rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, the five surfaces of each light source 7 excluding the rear surface 72 are the light emission surfaces.
- the light sources 7 are each, for example, a solid-state light source.
- the solid-state light source is, for example, an LED.
- examples of the light sources 7 include organic electroluminescence light sources and light sources that emit light by a phosphor applied to a flat surface being irradiated with excitation light. Note that, in the first preferred embodiment, the light sources 7 are LEDs.
- the light-distribution control element 6 is disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 so as to cover the light sources 7 . That is, the light-distribution control element 6 is disposed in the +z-axis direction with reference to the light sources 7 so as to surround light sources 7 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 is an optical element which is elongated in the arrangement direction of the plurality of light sources, that is, in the x-axis direction.
- the light-distribution control element 6 is a cylindrical lens.
- the cylindrical lens is a lens that has a cylindrical refracting surface.
- the cylindrical lens has a curvature in a first direction, and does not have a curvature in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
- the light exiting from the cylindrical lens is condensed in one direction or diverged. For example, when parallel light rays enter a convex cylindrical lens, the light rays are linearly condensed.
- the condensed light is called a focal line.
- the first direction is the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 , that is, the y-axis direction.
- the second direction is a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 , that is, the x-axis direction.
- a rear surface that is, an installation surface 63 that opposes to the holding substrate 8 and abuts on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the installation surface 63 includes a surface which is parallel to the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the plurality of surfaces that form the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 include a light incident surface 61 at a position different from the installation surface 63 .
- the light incident surface 61 is positioned to cover the light sources 7 , and is formed by a concave curved surface or a flat surface.
- the concave curved surface is, for example, an aspheric surface or a cylindrical surface.
- the light incident surface 61 extends in the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 , that is, in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 . That is, the light incident surface 61 is groove-shaped. On the light incident surface 61 , light emitted from the light sources 7 becomes incident.
- the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 include a light emitting surface 62 at a position different from the installation surface 63 .
- the light emitting surface 62 is positioned on the side opposite to the light sources 7 with reference to the light incident surface 61 . That is, the light emitting surface 62 is the surface of the light-distribution control element 6 oriented in the +z-axis direction, that is, the surface exposed in the +z-axis direction.
- the light emitting surface 62 includes a convex cylindrical surface, and the cylindrical surface has a convex curvature in the surface perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 , that is, in the y-z plane. Further, the light emitting surface 62 is greater in area than the light incident surface 61 . The light entering from the light incident surface 61 exits outside the light-distribution control element 6 from the light emitting surface 62 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 includes a diffusion part 6 a provided at least at one surface.
- the at least one surface is one of the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part 6 a is provided is different from the installation surface 63 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is provided along the light incident surface 61 , and extends in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is provided at a front surface of the at least one surface, and include a smooth surface that is not a coarse surface at the front surface.
- the smooth surface is, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface that forms a mirror surface.
- the smooth surface is formed by extrusion which will be described later. Note that, while the diffusion part 6 a shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the entire light incident surface 61 , the diffusion part 6 a may be provided at part of the light incident surface 61 .
- the diffusion part 6 a contains a diffusing material.
- the diffusion part 6 a is formed by a base material containing a diffusing agent.
- the base material of the diffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material is, for example, acrylic resin (PMMA).
- the diffusion part 6 a has a thickness, the distribution of which is even.
- the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a or the concentration of the diffusing material contained in the diffusion part 6 a is adjusted so that the degree of diffusion of light by the diffusion part 6 a becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 . That is, the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a or the concentration of the diffusing material contained in the diffusion part 6 a will not cancel the effect of the light distribution control exerted by the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 further includes a light-distribution control element body 6 b that includes the light emitting surface 62 and the installation surface 63 .
- the light-distribution control element body 6 b is made of a transparent material.
- the transparent material is acrylic resin (PMMA).
- the light-distribution control element body 6 b may contain the diffusing material, in such a case, the light-distribution control element body 6 b is lower in concentration of the diffusing material than the diffusion part 6 a of the light-distribution control element 6 . That is, the light-distribution control element body 6 b is higher in transparency than the diffusion part 6 a.
- the diffusion part 6 a and the light-distribution control element body 6 b are an integrated component. That is, the light-distribution control element 6 is a component in which the diffusion part 6 a and the light-distribution control element body 6 b are integrally molded.
- the front surface of the diffusion part 6 a and the surface of the light-distribution control element body 6 b being adjacent to the diffusion part 6 a are preferably flush with each other.
- the above-described light sources 7 are disposed in the recess formed by the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the recess means the space surrounded by the light incident surface 61 and the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 . That is, the recess is the space positioned in the ⁇ z-axis direction of the light incident surface 61 .
- optical axis C of the light-distribution control element 6 is parallel to the z axis.
- the “optical axis” herein is a straight line that passes through the center and a focal point of a lens or a spherical mirror.
- the optical axis C is determined by the sectional shape of the optical element having a curvature.
- the optical axis C is determined by the plane perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 , that is, the shape of the light emitting surface 62 in the y-z plane perpendicular to the x-axis direction.
- the light-distribution control element 6 has a function of spreading, in a predetermined direction, the propagating direction of light emitted from the light sources 7 , thereby changing light distribution.
- the predetermined direction is the direction in which the cylindrical surface of the light-distribution control element 6 spreads light, and is a direction parallel to the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 which will be described later and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 is parallel to the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the predetermined direction is the direction parallel to the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 . That is, the direction is the y-axis direction.
- the “light distribution” refers to luminous intensity distribution of the light source to the space. That is, the “light distribution” is the spatial distribution of light emitted from the light sources. Further, the “luminous intensity” indicates the intensity of light emitted from a luminous element, and is obtained by dividing a pencil of light passing within a minute solid angle in a certain direction by the minute solid angle. That is, the luminous intensity is a physical quantity that represents the degree of intensity of light emitted from a light source. With such a structure, the light-distribution control element 6 condenses or diverges light emitted from the light sources 7 on the y-z plane.
- the light-distribution control element 6 is bar-shaped. Accordingly, in the planar light source apparatus 200 , the number of the light-distribution control element 6 can be smaller than the number of the light sources 7 arranged in a row. For example, in the first preferred embodiment, while the planar light source apparatus 200 includes the light sources 7 , the number of installed light-distribution control element 6 is one. In this manner, when the light-distribution control element 6 is bar-shaped, the number of installed light-distribution control element 6 can be reduced with the planar light source apparatus 200 . Further, an operation of attaching the light-distribution control element 6 just requires fixing one light-distribution control element 6 relative to the light sources 7 arranged in a row and, therefore, fixing work such as bonding is performed easily.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 includes the reflector 5 .
- the reflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing the light sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 held at the holding substrate 8 .
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of the reflector 5 . Note that, FIG. 4 does not show the diffuser 4 .
- the reflector 5 has one bottom surface 51 which is parallel to the x-y plane and four side surfaces 52 (side surfaces 52 a , 52 b , 52 c , 52 d ) that are connected to the bottom surface 51 . In this manner, the reflector 5 has five surfaces. As shown in FIG.
- the side surfaces 52 of the reflector 5 surround the outer circumference of the opening 53 that opposes to the bottom surface 51 .
- the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 has a quadrangular shape which is smaller than the quadrangular shape of the diffuser 4 .
- the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 is disposed in parallel to the diffuser 4 , that is, in parallel to the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- the side surfaces 52 of the reflector 5 connect between the outer circumference of the bottom surface 51 and the outer circumference of the diffuser 4 . That is, the four side surfaces 52 are inclined from the outer circumference of the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 toward the outer circumference of the diffuser 4 . In this manner, the reflector 5 and the diffuser 4 structure a hollow container shape.
- the side surface 52 b in the ⁇ y-axis direction is inclined clockwise relative to the y-z plane about the connected portion with the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 as seen from the ⁇ x-axis direction.
- two side surfaces 52 c and 52 d connected to sides of the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 which are parallel to the y-axis direction are also inclined so as to be increasingly spaced apart from each other toward the +z-axis direction. That is, the side surface 52 c in the ⁇ x-axis direction is inclined counterclockwise relative to the z-x plane about the connected portion with the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 as seen from the ⁇ y-axis direction.
- the side surface 52 d in the +x-axis direction is inclined clockwise relative to the z-x plane about the connected portion with the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 as seen from the ⁇ y-axis direction.
- the opening 53 is formed in the +z-axis direction of the reflector 5 that is opposite to the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 .
- the light sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 held at the holding substrate 8 are disposed. That is, in a plan view of the planar light source apparatus 200 , the light sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 are disposed within the surface of the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 .
- the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 has an opening corresponding to the position where the holding substrate 8 is disposed.
- a contour part 55 that forms the opening is positioned on the opposite sides of the holding substrate 8 , and disposed between the light-distribution control element 6 and the housing 10 . That is, the contour part 55 is disposed so as to surround the outer circumference of the holding substrate 8 as seen in a plan view, and disposed at the clearance between the light-distribution control element 6 and the housing 10 as seen in a section view.
- the reflector 5 has a reflecting surface 54 inside.
- the reflector 5 is a member that reflects light, and the reflecting surface 54 is, for example, a reflection sheet being a sheet-like member.
- the reflecting surface 54 of the reflector 5 may be, for example, a diffusively reflecting surface.
- the reflector 5 may be a light reflection sheet made of resin such as polyethylene terephthalate as a base material, or a light reflection sheet obtained by vapor deposition of metal on a surface of a substrate.
- the diffuser 4 is disposed so as to oppose to the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 and to cover the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffuser 4 is disposed so as to cover the opening 53 .
- the diffuser 4 is disposed at the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 . That is, the diffuser 4 is disposed in the +z-axis direction relative to the reflector 5 .
- the diffuser 4 is, for example, thin plate-shaped.
- the diffuser 4 is sheet-like.
- the diffuser 4 may be structured to include a transparent substrate and a diffuser film formed on the transparent substrate.
- the diffuser 4 diffuses light. To “diffuse” means to spread and disperse. That is, it means to cause light to scatter. Note that, in the following description, for example, the description such as “the light rays reach the diffuser 4 ” is used. As described above, the diffuser 4 is disposed at the opening 53 of the reflector 5 . Thus, the description “the light rays reach the diffuser 4 ” can translate to “the light rays reach the opening 53 ”. Further, the opening 53 or the diffuser 4 functions as the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 . Accordingly, the description “the light rays reach the diffuser 4 ” can translate to “the light rays reach the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 ”.
- the method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 200 includes the following step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 , that is, a step of manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 is manufactured by, for example, extrusion. More specifically, the diffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material and the light-distribution control element body 6 b being higher in transparency than the diffusion part 6 a are integrally molded by double extrusion molding.
- the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 includes a step of forming the diffusion part 6 a by double extrusion molding at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the at least one surface at which the diffusion part 6 a is formed is, as described above, a surface different from the installation surface 63 which is capable of abutting on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is formed at the light incident surface 61 .
- FIG. 5 is a section view showing the structure around the light source 7 included in a planar light source apparatus 300 according to the underlying technology not including the diffusion part 6 a .
- a light-distribution control element 96 included in the planar light source apparatus 300 is not provided with any diffusion part.
- FIG. 5 also shows part of light rays 73 a that are emitted from the light source 7 in the +z-axis direction and spread just on the y-z plane.
- the light rays 73 a are light rays that are emitted from the light source 7 at a narrow angle in the ⁇ y-axis direction relative to the optical axis C.
- the light rays 73 a emitted from the light source 7 are refracted at the light incident surface 61 , and enter inside the light-distribution control element 96 .
- the angle of refraction of the light ray becomes smaller than the incident angle.
- the angle of refraction of the light ray becomes greater than the incident angle.
- the light rays 73 a are refracted in the ⁇ y-axis direction at the light incident surface 61 .
- the light rays 73 a propagate inside the light-distribution control element 96 , to reach the light emitting surface 62 .
- the light rays 73 a are refracted in the direction in which the angle relative to the optical axis C further increases, that is, in the ⁇ y-axis direction, by the light emitting surface 62 having a convex shape.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the light-distribution control element 96 , observing the x-y plane from the +z-axis direction.
- FIG. 6 also shows part of a light ray 73 b emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light ray 73 b is a light ray whose angle relative to the optical axis C is greater than the light rays 73 a .
- the light rays that spread just on the y-z plane are the light rays that spread just in the top-bottom direction in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 7 is a graph showing the side surface around the light source 7 of the planar light source apparatus 300 , observing the z-x plane from the ⁇ y-axis direction.
- FIG. 7 also shows part of a light ray 73 c that is emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light ray 73 c is a light ray whose angle relative to the optical axis C is greater than the light rays 73 a .
- the light rays that spread just on the y-z plane are the light rays that spread just in the top-bottom direction in FIG. 7 .
- the light-distribution control element 96 diverges the light emitted from the light sources 7 .
- the light rays 73 a , the light ray 73 b , or the light ray 73 c emitted from the light-distribution control element 96 reach the diffuser 4 shown in FIG. 1 . While the light rays are not shown, part of the light rays reaching the diffuser 4 reflect and propagate inside the container-shaped space of the reflector 5 .
- the light rays are reflected at the bottom surface 51 or the side surface 52 of the reflector 5 and again reach the diffuser 4 .
- the reached light is diffused while transmitting through the diffuser 4 . Then, the light having transmitted through the diffuser 4 becomes even planar illumination light.
- the illumination light becomes incident on the rear surface 1 b of the liquid crystal panel 1 through the optical sheet 3 and the optical sheet 2 .
- FIG. 8 is a section view showing around the light source 7 of the planar light source apparatus 300 , and also shows part of light rays 73 d emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light rays 73 d are different from the light rays 73 a shown in FIG. 5 , and include also the angular component spreading in the +x-axis direction, that is, the vector component in the +x-axis direction.
- FIG. 9 is a plan view of the light-distribution control element 96 , observing the x-y plane from the +z-axis direction.
- FIG. 9 also shows part of light rays 73 f emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light rays 73 f have a vector component in the +x-axis direction.
- the light rays having the angular component spreading in the x-axis direction means light rays spreading diagonally or in parallel to the x axis in FIG. 9 .
- the light rays 73 d shown in FIG. 8 or the light rays 73 f shown in FIG. 9 are greater in the incident angle relative to the light emitting surface 62 than the light rays 73 a that propagate just on the y-z plane shown in FIG. 5 . This is because of the vector component in the +x-axis direction being combined with the incident angle relative to the light emitting surface 62 . Accordingly, the light rays having a great vector component in the +x-axis direction are likely to satisfy the total reflection condition at the light emitting surface 62 .
- the light rays 73 e shown in FIG. 8 are, out of the light rays 73 d emitted from the light source 7 , light rays with greater incident angles relative to the light emitting surface 62 and which are totally reflected.
- the light rays 73 e totally reflected at the light emitting surface 62 propagate in the ⁇ z-axis direction, and part of the light rays 73 e are refracted at the installation surface 63 of the light-distribution control element 96 , that is, part of the rear surface, and reach the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 .
- the light rays 73 e reaching the bottom surface 51 of the reflector 5 are diffuse-reflected at the reflecting surface 54 .
- part of the diffuse-reflected light rays again enter inside the light-distribution control element 96 , and other light rays reach the diffuser 4 .
- the light rays entering inside the light-distribution control element 96 are refracted at the light emitting surface 62 and emitted.
- the light rays emitted from the light emitting surface 62 reach the diffuser 4 .
- part of the light rays emitted from the light sources 7 and reflected at the light emitting surface 62 reach the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the light rays are reflected at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 , and again enter inside the light-distribution control element 96 . Then, the light rays are refracted at the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 96 and reach the diffuser 4 .
- the above-described light rays emitted from the light sources 7 and reaching the diffuser 4 can be separated into two components, that is, a direct light component and a reflected light component.
- the direct light component is light rays, out of the light rays emitted from the light sources 7 , that are refracted at the light-distribution control element 6 and thereafter directly reach the diffuser 4 .
- the reflected light component is light rays that are reflected inside the light-distribution control element 6 and thereafter diffuse-reflected at the reflector 5 , and reach the diffuser 4 .
- the reflected light component is influenced by diffuse-reflection by the reflector 5 and, therefore, it is difficult to control the spatial distribution of such light with the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the planar light source apparatus 200 may control distribution of light including the reflected light component. Further, in order to obtain illumination light which exhibits even luminance distribution at the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 , it is preferable to control the proportion between the direct light component and the reflected light component with the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 may exert control to intentionally vary the distribution of the direct light component according to the distribution of the reflected light component.
- planar light source apparatus 200 to exert ever higher light distribution control.
- the shape precision that can be managed in the manufacturing process may fail to satisfy the required specification.
- the degree of difficulty in manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6 and consequently in manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 200 , have been increasing recent years.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 included in the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 10 also shows part of light rays 73 g emitted from the light source 7 .
- the planar light source apparatus 200 includes the diffusion part 6 a at the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the light rays 73 g emitted from the light source 7 and becoming incident on the diffusion part 6 a of the light incident surface 61 are diffused by the diffusing material contained in the diffusion part 6 a , and change their traveling directions.
- the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by the diffusion part 6 a is smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 g at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 . That is, in the diffusion part 6 a , while the light rays 73 g have their traveling directions changed in random directions, multiple scattering enough to cancel the effect of light distribution control by the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 will not occur.
- the distributed light is directed to the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 , that is, the diffuser 4 , by the refraction which is dependent on the surface shape of the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusing material becomes dominant over refraction, it becomes difficult to refract and distribute the light rays 73 g as intended at the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a has the thickness or the concentration of the diffusing material with which the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by the diffusion part 6 a becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 g at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 . Accordingly, the light scattering attained by the diffusion part 6 a will not become dominant.
- the light rays 73 g shown in FIG. 10 schematically represent the manner of diffusion, that is, scattering, of light rays becoming incident on the diffusion part 6 a .
- the light rays 73 g emitted from the light source 7 are refracted at the light incident surface 61 , and become incident on the diffusion part 6 a .
- each of the light rays 73 g includes three light rays that travel through a substantially identical optical path. That is, the light rays 73 g shown in FIG. 10 consist of nine light rays in total.
- the light rays 73 g that propagate through a substantially identical optical path and becoming incident on the diffusion part 6 a have their traveling direction changed in random directions by the diffusing material contained in the diffusion part 6 a .
- the diffused light rays 73 g reach the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 while substantially maintaining the refracted directions at the light incident surface 61 .
- the light rays 73 g emitted from the light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where no diffusion part 6 a is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves.
- the diffusion part 6 a the light rays 73 g travel light propagation paths that are independent of the surface shape of the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a alleviates the deviation.
- the shape precision of the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 does not satisfy the required precision, and the diffusion part 6 a alleviates the adverse effect.
- the diffusion part 6 a can decrease the sensitivity of the light rays 73 g to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision. In other words, the diffusion part 6 a provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 . As a result, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 stabilizes.
- the light rays 73 g emitted from the light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider are as compared to the case where no diffusion part 6 a is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves. Further, the diffusion part 6 a provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 . Hence, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planar light source apparatus 200 stabilizes.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 includes the light source 7 , the holding substrate 8 that holds the light source 7 at the main surface 81 , and the light-distribution control element 6 that is disposed at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 so as to cover the light source 7 , and changes distribution of light emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 includes the diffusion part 6 a that is provided at at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part 6 a is provided is a surface different from the installation surface 63 capable of abutting on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the planar light source apparatus 200 can improve evenness of planar light using both the light rays transmitted through the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 , and the light rays reflected at the light emitting surface 62 . Further, this structure improves robustness during manufacture in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holding substrate 8 , or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light source 7 . Further, the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by the diffusion part 6 a can be adjusted by the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a .
- planar light source apparatus 200 emits planar light with highly even luminance distribution and, accordingly, the planar light source apparatus 200 can be used not just as the backlight of the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 but also as, for example, an illumination apparatus used for illuminating a room or the like. Further, the planar light source apparatus 200 can be used as, for example, an advertisement display apparatus in which a picture or the like is illuminated from the rear surface side. Note that, the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 including the planar light source apparatus 200 shown in the preferred embodiment is merely an example. The similar effect can be exhibited by a display apparatus that includes a display panel being different in type from the liquid crystal panel 1 and the planar light source apparatus 200 , in which the planar light source apparatus 200 illuminates the display panel.
- the plurality of surfaces being a surface different from the installation surface 63 include the light incident surface 61 that is positioned so as to cover the light sources 7 and on which the light rays 73 g emitted from the light sources 7 become incident, and the light emitting surface 62 from which the light rays 73 g becoming incident on the light incident surface 61 are emitted.
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part 6 a is provided is the light incident surface 61 . Since the light incident surface 61 is near to the light sources 7 , a multitude of light rays emitted from the light sources 7 transmit through the light incident surface 61 .
- the diffusion part 6 a provided at the light incident surface 61 scatters a great amount of light emitted from the light sources 7 . Further, by virtue of the diffusion part 6 a being formed at the light incident surface 61 which is smaller in area than the light emitting surface 62 , the light-distribution control element 6 can be obtained at lower costs.
- the light source 7 includes the plurality of light sources that are discretely arranged in a row at the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 is in the arrangement direction of the light sources 7 .
- the light incident surface 61 extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a concave curved surface or a flat surface that covers the plurality of light sources.
- the light emitting surface 62 includes a convex cylindrical surface in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
- the diffusion part 6 a extends in the longitudinal direction.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 can include the light-distribution control element 6 by the number smaller than the number of the light sources 7 .
- the planar light source apparatus 200 can reduce the number of the employed light-distribution control element 6 . Further, the attaching process thereof simply includes fixing the light-distribution control element 6 being smaller in number than the light sources 7 to the light sources 7 arranged in a row and, therefore, the attaching work is easy. Further, the bar-like light-distribution control element 6 can be manufactured by extrusion, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 is not limited to an optical element that is bar-shaped in the longitudinal direction of the light sources 7 .
- a planar light source apparatus exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the first preferred embodiment, for example, when one light-distribution control element such as a hemispheric lens is attached to one light source.
- the planar light source apparatus including individual light-distribution control elements for the light sources, the number of installed light-distribution control elements increases.
- the light-distribution control elements may be fixed to the light sources, respectively, and hence the number of steps increases.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 further includes the reflector 5 .
- the reflector 5 includes the opening 53 in which the diffuser 4 is provided, and the reflecting surface 54 .
- the reflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing the light sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the reflecting surface 54 is disposed inside the container shape, and reflects light emitted from the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the opening 53 emits the light emitted from the light-distribution control element 6 and the light reflected at the reflecting surface 54 via the diffuser 4 . With such a structure, the planar light source apparatus 200 emits planar light with further improved evenness.
- the diffusion part 6 a included in the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment is formed by the light-distribution control element 6 containing a diffusing material.
- the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by the diffusion part 6 a can be adjusted by the concentration of the diffusing material in the diffusion part 6 a .
- the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by the diffusion part 6 a can be adjusted to be smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of light rays at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 .
- the diffusion part 6 a included in the planar light source apparatus 200 is provided at the front surface of the at least one surface to include a smooth surface.
- the at least one surface is one of the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a can be integrally formed with the light-distribution control element body 6 b by double extrusion molding.
- the thickness distribution of the diffusion part 6 a of the planar light source apparatus 200 is even.
- the planar light source apparatus 200 can evenly distribute light irrespective of the shape precision of the surface where the diffusion part 6 a is provided, or the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 relative to the light sources 7 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 included in the planar light source apparatus 200 further includes the light-distribution control element body 6 b being higher in transparency than the diffusion part 6 a .
- the diffusion part 6 a and the light-distribution control element body 6 b are integrated with each other. With such a structure, the positional relationship between the diffusion part 6 a and the light-distribution control element body 6 b stabilizes. Relative to the positions of the light sources 7 , the diffusion part 6 a or the light-distribution control element body 6 b can be positioned at once. Further, the light-distribution control element 6 that includes the diffusion part 6 a and the light-distribution control element body 6 b can be manufactured by double molding, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- a display apparatus is the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 .
- the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 includes the planar light source apparatus 200 and a display panel that converts planar light emitted from the planar light source apparatus 200 into image light.
- the display panel is the liquid crystal panel 1 . Since the liquid crystal panel 1 is illuminated with the light with improved evenness by the planar light source apparatus 200 , the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 realizes higher image quality than the conventional technique.
- a method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment includes a step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 includes a step of forming the diffusion part 6 a by double extrusion molding at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part 6 a is formed is a surface different from the installation surface 63 capable of abutting on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the at least one surface is, in the first preferred embodiment, the light incident surface 61 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is integrally molded with the light-distribution control element 6 and, therefore, the position of the diffusion part 6 a in the light-distribution control element 6 stabilizes. For example, relative to the positions of the light sources 7 , the diffusion part 6 a or the light-distribution control element body 6 b can be positioned at once. Further, the manufacturing costs of the planar light source apparatus 200 can be reduced.
- the length of the light-distribution control element 6 can be freely changed.
- the light-distribution control element 6 having just its length changed can be manufactured using the same mold assembly, and installed on the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- any change in the mold assembly for fabricating the light-distribution control element 6 is not necessary when the number of installed light sources 7 increases or reduces. For example, when the installed light sources 7 are increased in number in order to improve luminance, each of light sources 7 can be covered with the same light-distribution control element 6 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 manufactured by extrusion makes it possible to fabricate the planar light source apparatus 200 with the light sources 7 being optimum in the number and the disposition.
- the light-distribution control element 6 manufactured by extrusion is flexible about changes in the specification of the planar light source apparatus 200 .
- FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 201 according to a modification of the first preferred embodiment.
- the at least one surface where the diffusion part 6 a is provided is the light emitting surface 62 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is formed along a front surface of the light emitting surface 62 . While the diffusion part 6 a shown in FIG. 11 is provided on the upper surface side (the +z-axis direction) of the light emitting surface 62 , the diffusion part 6 a may be provided so as to cover also the side surface (the surface in the y-axis direction). Further, the light-distribution control element body 6 b being integrated with the diffusion part 6 a includes the light incident surface 61 and the installation surface 63 in the present modification.
- the planar light source apparatus 201 having such a structure exhibits the optical effect similar to that exhibited by the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment. Further, since the light emitting surface 62 is greater in area than the light incident surface 61 , the diffusion part 6 a is formed easily.
- the diffusion part 6 a may be formed along both the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 .
- the planar light source apparatus having such a structure also exhibits the effect similar to that described above.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 202 according to the second preferred embodiment.
- the diffusion part 6 a is provided at a partial region 61 a in the light incident surface 61 . That is, in the second preferred embodiment, the diffusion part 6 a is provided at the partial region 61 a at the front surface of at least one of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 differs among the sites in the light incident surface 61 .
- the required precision in the surface shape depends on the density of light rays.
- the diffusion part 6 a according to the second preferred embodiment is provided at the partial region 61 a corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required. For example, in the case where higher surface shape precision than surrounding is required for a site being higher in the density of light rays than the surrounding site, the partial region 61 a of the light incident surface 61 where the diffusion part 6 a is provided is higher in the density of light rays passing therethrough than the surrounding region.
- planar light source apparatus 202 including such a structure, robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holding substrate 8 , or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light sources 7 improves. Further, the amount of the diffusing material used in the diffusion part 6 a can be reduced, whereby the manufacturing costs of the light-distribution control element 6 are reduced.
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in the light emitting surface 62 . While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus in which the diffusion part is provided at the partial region where the density of light rays is high in the light emitting surface 62 exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the second preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 203 according to the third preferred embodiment.
- the diffusion part 6 a is formed along the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the thickness distribution of the diffusion part 6 a according to the third preferred embodiment is uneven. That is, the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a differs among the in-plane positions of the light incident surface 61 .
- the thickness distribution of the diffusion part 6 a corresponds to the distribution of density of light rays transmitting through the light incident surface 61 .
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 differs among the sites in the light incident surface 61 .
- the required precision in the surface shape depends on the density of light rays.
- the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a is great in the region corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required, and small in the region where the required surface shape precision is low. For example, in the case where high surface shape precision is required for a site being higher in density of light rays than the surrounding site, the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a is greater at such site than at the surrounding site. On the other hand, the thickness of the diffusion part 6 a is smaller than the surrounding site at a site where the density of light rays is lower than the surrounding site.
- planar light source apparatus 203 including such a structure, robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holding substrate 8 , or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light sources 7 improves. Further, since the diffusion part 6 a is provided efficiently, the use amount of the diffusing material is reduced and hence costs are reduced.
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in the light emitting surface 62 . While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus including the diffusion part having thickness distribution corresponding to the distribution of the density of light rays in the light emitting surface 62 exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the third preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment.
- the light-distribution control element 6 includes the diffusion part 6 a at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is provided at a front surface of the at least one surface, and includes a rough surface structure 6 c .
- the diffusion part 6 a is the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the rough surface structure 6 c is a micro structure having recesses and projections.
- FIG. 15 does not show the height and intervals of the recesses and projections of the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the curvature of the concave-shaped light incident surface 61 is greater than the recesses and projections of the rough surface structure 6 c . Further, the curvature of the convex-shaped light emitting surface 62 is greater than the recesses and projections of the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the rough surface structure 6 c scatters or diffracts light rays emitted from the light sources 7 .
- the recesses and projections have intervals or height with which the degree of scattering or diffraction of light attained by the rough surface structure 6 c becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 . That is, the rough surface structure 6 c will not cancel the effect of the light distribution control exhibited by the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 .
- the at least one surface where the rough surface structure 6 c is formed as the diffusion part 6 a is a surface different from the installation surface 63 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c is formed along the light incident surface 61 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c extends in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 . Note that, while the rough surface structure 6 c shown in FIG. 15 is formed over the entire light incident surface 61 , the rough surface structure 6 c may be formed at part of the light incident surface 61 .
- the structure of the planar light source apparatus 204 is identical to the planar light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment.
- a method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 204 includes the following step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 , that is, a step of manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 is manufactured by, for example, extrusion.
- the front surface of the at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 is subjected to a roughening process, to form the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the at least one surface where the rough surface structure 6 c is formed is a surface different from the installation surface 63 capable of abutting on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c is formed at the light incident surface 61 .
- the roughening process includes a step of grinding the light incident surface 61 .
- the light incident surface 61 is subjected to friction when the light-distribution control element 6 undergoes extrusion.
- the roughening process includes a step of performing sand blasting on the light incident surface 61 after the light-distribution control element 6 is molded.
- FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 included in the planar light source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 15 also shows part of light rays 73 h emitted from the light source 7 .
- the light rays 73 h emitted from the light source 7 and becoming incident on the rough surface structure 6 c of the light incident surface 61 reach the rough surface structure 6 c , and change their directions by being scattered or diffracted.
- the degree of the scattering or diffraction of the light rays 73 h attained by the rough surface structure 6 c is smaller than the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 h at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 .
- the distributed light is directed to the light emitting surface of the planar light source apparatus 204 , that is, to the diffuser 4 .
- the light-distribution control element 6 can hardly refract and distribute the light rays 73 h in a designed manner with the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c has intervals and height with which the scattering or diffraction of light attained by the rough surface structure 6 c becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at the light incident surface 61 or the light emitting surface 62 . Accordingly, scattering of light at the rough surface structure 6 c will not become dominant.
- the light rays 73 h shown in FIG. 15 schematically show the manner of scattering of the light rays becoming incident on the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the light rays 73 h emitted from the light source 7 are refracted at the light incident surface 61 , and become incident on the rough surface structure 6 c .
- each of the light rays 73 h becoming incident on the rough surface structure 6 c are represented by three lines
- each of the light rays 73 h includes three light rays that travel through a substantially identical optical path.
- the light rays 73 h shown in FIG. 15 consist of nine light rays in total.
- the light rays 73 h that propagate through a substantially identical optical path and becoming incident on have their traveling directions changed in random directions by the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the light rays 73 h that are scattered or diffracted reach the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 while substantially maintaining the refracted directions at the light incident surface 61 .
- the light rays 73 h emitted from the light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where no rough surface structure 6 c is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves.
- the light rays 73 h travel light propagation paths that are independent of the surface shape of the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c alleviates the deviation.
- the shape precision of the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 does not satisfy the required precision, and the rough surface structure 6 c alleviates the adverse effect.
- the rough surface structure 6 c decrease the sensitivity of the light rays 73 h to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision. In other words, the rough surface structure 6 c provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 . As a result, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planar light source apparatus 204 stabilizes.
- the light rays 73 h emitted from the light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where no rough surface structure 6 c is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology.
- the evenness of the planar light improves.
- the rough surface structure 6 c provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planar light source apparatus 204 stabilizes.
- the diffusion part 6 a of the planar light source apparatus 204 is provided at at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the diffusion part 6 a is provided at the front surface of the at least one surface to include rough surface structure 6 c.
- the planar light source apparatus 204 can improve evenness of planar light using both the light rays transmitted through the light emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light rays reflected at the light emitting surface 62 . Further, this structure improves robustness during manufacture in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holding substrate 8 , or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light sources 7 . Further, the degree of scattering of the light rays 73 h attained by the rough surface structure 6 c can be adjusted by the height or intervals of the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the rough surface structure 6 c can be obtained by performing simple surface work after or in molding the light-distribution control element 6 .
- a method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment includes a step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 , and a step of forming the diffusion part 6 a by forming the rough surface structure 6 c by performing a roughening process on the front surface of at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the at least one surface where the rough surface structure 6 c is formed is a surface different from the installation surface 63 capable of abutting on the main surface 81 of the holding substrate 8 .
- the at least one surface is the light incident surface 61 .
- the method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus 204 having such a structure is advantageous in that the rough surface structure 6 c can be obtained by performing simple surface work after or in molding the light-distribution control element 6 .
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 205 according to a modification of the fourth preferred embodiment.
- the at least one surface where the rough surface structure 6 c being the diffusion part 6 a is formed is the light emitting surface 62 .
- the rough surface structure 6 c is formed along the surface of the light emitting surface 62 . Note that, while the rough surface structure 6 c shown in FIG. 16 is formed on the upper surface side (the +z-axis direction) of the light emitting surface 62 , the rough surface structure 6 c may be formed so as to cover also the side surface (the surface in the y-axis direction).
- the planar light source apparatus 205 having such a structure exhibits the optical effect similar to that exhibited by the planar light source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment. Further, since the light emitting surface 62 is greater in area than the light incident surface 61 , the rough surface structure 6 c is easily formed.
- the rough surface structure 6 c may be formed along both the light incident surface 61 and the light emitting surface 62 .
- a planar light source apparatus including such a structure exhibits the effect similar to that described above.
- FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source 7 of a planar light source apparatus 206 according to the fifth preferred embodiment.
- the rough surface structure 6 c being the diffusion part 6 a is provided at the partial region 61 a of the light incident surface 61 . That is, in the fifth preferred embodiment, the rough surface structure 6 c is provided at the partial region 61 a at the front surface of at least one of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 that is, the light intensity per unit area differs among the sites in the light incident surface 61 .
- the required surface shape precision depends on the density of light rays.
- the rough surface structure 6 c according to the fifth preferred embodiment is formed at the partial region 61 a corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required.
- the partial region 61 a where the rough surface structure 6 c is formed is the region higher in the density of light rays passing therethrough than the surrounding region.
- the planar light source apparatus 206 including such a structure improves robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holding substrate 8 , or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light sources 7 . Further, this structure can reduce the area for forming the rough surface structure 6 c , whereby the manufacturing costs of the light-distribution control element 6 can be reduced.
- the density of light rays becoming incident on the light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in the light emitting surface 62 . While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus in which the rough surface structure is formed at the partial region where the density of light rays is high in the light emitting surface 62 also exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the fifth preferred embodiment.
- the diffusion part 6 a according to the first to third preferred embodiments is formed to contain a diffusing material
- the diffusion part 6 a according to the fourth and fifth preferred embodiments includes the rough surface structure 6 c .
- the diffusion part may have a structure in which the rough surface structure 6 c is provided at the front surface of the diffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material.
- Such a structure may be formed by, for example, applying friction to the front surface of the diffusion part 6 a when integrally molding the diffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material and the light-distribution control element body 6 b by double extrusion molding in the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 .
- the terms “parallel”, “perpendicular” and the like are used for describing the positional relationship or the shape of components. These terms include the range in which tolerance in manufacture or variations in assembly are taken into consideration. Accordingly, the description of the positional relationship or the shape of components in the claims includes the range in which tolerance in manufacture or variations in assembly are taken into consideration.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a planar light source apparatus that emits planar light, a display apparatus that displays an image on a display panel by the display panel being illuminated by the planar light source apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the planar light source apparatus.
- A liquid crystal panel included in a liquid crystal display apparatus does not produce light by itself. Therefore, the liquid crystal display apparatus includes, as a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, a backlight apparatus, that is, a planar light source apparatus, on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel. One structure of the backlight apparatus is a direct illumination-type backlight apparatus in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) are arranged. Recent years have seen the development of compact, high-efficient, and high-output LEDs. Thus, even with a reduced number of installed LEDs or a reduced number of installed LED bars, which are light sources formed by the plurality of LEDs arranged in a row, the backlight apparatus can mathematically attain the same brightness as the conventional backlight apparatuses. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-286608 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38697 discloses a backlight apparatus that spreads light rays emitted from an LED with a cylindrical lens, thereby converting into planar illumination light.
- In the backlight apparatus disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-286608 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38697, when the light transmits from inside of the cylindrical lens to the air, part of the light is reflected at the interface between the cylindrical lens and the air. In order to improve evenness of illumination light, both the direct light that transmits through the interface and the reflected light reflected at the interface may be used as illumination light. However, the reflected light increases as the divergence angle of light emitted from the light source increases, that is, as the incident angle of light rays relative to the interface increases. In particular, it is difficult to suppress a reduction in the amount of light at the periphery of the emission region.
- Further, recent reduction in size and increase in efficiency of the light source require higher precision in relation to disposition of an LED and an optical component that spreads the light rays emitted from the LED, and in the shape of optical members. In view of the manufacturing processes and costs, what is desired is a backlight apparatus with which such light source and optical component can be mounted with a simple holding structure. To this end, it is necessary to reduce the luminance distribution sensitivity of the irradiated surface to the precision in disposition of the light source and the optical component, and in the shape of the optical members.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a planar light source apparatus that exhibits high robustness in relation to disposition of a light-distribution control element and a holding substrate, or disposition of the light-distribution control element and a light source, and improves productivity. The planar light source apparatus of the present invention includes a light source, a holding substrate that holds a light source at a main surface, and a light-distribution control element that is disposed at the main surface of the holding substrate so as to cover the light source, and changes light distribution of light rays emitted from the light source. The light-distribution control element includes a diffusion part that is provided at at least one surface of a plurality of surfaces structuring an outer shape of the light-distribution control element. The at least one surface where the diffusion part is provided is a surface different from an installation surface capable of abutting on the main surface of the holding substrate.
- These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a section view showing the structure of a liquid crystal display apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a section view showing around a light source of a planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing disposition of light sources of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a reflector of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment; -
FIGS. 5 to 9 are diagrams each showing light rays emitted from light sources of a planar light source apparatus according to an underlying technology; -
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment and light rays emitted from the light source; -
FIG. 11 is a section view showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 12 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 13 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 14 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure around the light source of the planar light source apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment and light rays emitted from the light source; -
FIG. 16 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the fourth preferred embodiment; and -
FIG. 17 is a section view showing the structure around light source of a planar light source apparatus according to a fifth preferred embodiment. - With reference to the drawings, a description will be given of preferred embodiments of a planar light source apparatus and a display apparatus including the planar light source apparatus in the present specification. Note that, in the following preferred embodiments, the display apparatus is exemplarily described as a liquid crystal display apparatus, and the display panel included in the display apparatus is exemplarily described as a liquid crystal panel.
- In the following preferred embodiments, the display apparatus and the planar light source apparatus are illustrated based on x-y-z orthogonal coordinates. A direction perpendicular to an x-y plane including an x axis and a y axis is a z-axis direction. For example, when the display panel included in the display apparatus is quadrangular, the long-side direction of the display panel is defined as an x-axis direction, and the short-side direction thereof is defined as a y-axis direction.
FIG. 1 is a section view that schematically shows the structure of a planarlight source apparatus 200 and a liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 including the same according to a first preferred embodiment which will be described later. InFIG. 1 , the long-side direction of theliquid crystal panel 1 is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing, and the short-side direction is the right-left direction of the drawing. In the case where the long side of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100, that is, the long side of theliquid crystal panel 1, is horizontally oriented and the short-side direction thereof is vertically oriented, the x-axis direction is the horizontal direction and the y-axis direction is the vertical direction. Further, in this case, the upper side of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 is in the positive direction on the y axis (+y-axis direction), and the lower side thereof is in the negative direction on the y axis (−y-axis direction). Further, the direction in which the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 displays an image is the positive direction on the z axis (+z-axis direction), and the direction opposite thereto is the negative direction on the z axis (−z-axis direction). Further, the +z-axis direction is referred to as a display surface side. The −z-axis direction is referred to as a rear surface side. Further, as seen from the display surface side of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100, the right side is the positive direction on the x axis (+x-axis direction), and the left side is the negative direction on the x axis (−x-axis direction). As used herein, “as seen from the display surface side” means viewing the −z-axis direction from the +z-axis direction. Note that, in the present specification, when an axis direction is referred to without the positive or negative sign, both the positive and negative directions are included. For example, the term “the y-axis direction” includes both the +y-axis direction and the −y-axis direction. This is not limited to the first preferred embodiment, and the same holds true to other preferred embodiments. - Liquid Crystal Display Apparatus
-
FIG. 1 is a section view schematically showing the structure of the planarlight source apparatus 200 and the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 including the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment. The liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 includes aliquid crystal panel 1 of the transmissive type, and the planarlight source apparatus 200. Further, the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 further includes, between theliquid crystal panel 1 and the planarlight source apparatus 200,optical sheets diffuser 4 is disposed at the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200. That is, thediffuser 4 is provided at an opening 53 of the planarlight source apparatus 200. From the +z-axis direction to the −z-axis direction in order, theliquid crystal panel 1, theoptical sheets diffuser 4, and the planarlight source apparatus 200 are disposed. Theliquid crystal panel 1 has arear surface 1 b that opposes to the planarlight source apparatus 200 via theoptical sheets liquid crystal panel 1 has adisplay surface 1 a on the side opposite to therear surface 1 b. Therear surface 1 b is a surface oriented in the −z-axis direction of theliquid crystal panel 1, and thedisplay surface 1 a is a surface oriented in the +z-axis direction thereof. Thedisplay surface 1 a has a planar quadrangular shape. That is, thedisplay surface 1 a has a plane that spreads in the direction parallel to the x-y plane. Further, the longs sides in the x-axis direction and the short sides in the y-axis direction structuring the plane are perpendicular to each other. Note that, the shape of thedisplay surface 1 a described above is merely an example, and may be different. Further, theliquid crystal panel 1 includes a liquid crystal layer (not shown), and the liquid crystal layer has a planar structure that spreads in the direction parallel to the x-y plane. - The planar
light source apparatus 200 emits planar light from thediffuser 4, and illuminates therear surface 1 b of theliquid crystal panel 1 through theoptical sheets optical sheet 3 has a function of directing the light emitted from thediffuser 4 normal to thedisplay surface 1 a of theliquid crystal panel 1. Theoptical sheet 2 reduces minor unevenness in the illumination light and reduces optical malfunction. Theliquid crystal panel 1 converts the illumination light input from therear surface 1 b into image light. The “image light” means light that has image information. - Planar Light Source Apparatus
- The planar
light source apparatus 200 includes a light-distribution control element 6, alight source 7, and a holdingsubstrate 8. Further, in the present preferred embodiment, the planarlight source apparatus 200 further includes areflector 5 and ahousing 10. Thereflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight source 7. Thereflector 5 includes abottom surface 51, aside surface 52, and anopening 53. Thehousing 10 is a member that holds and houses thereflector 5 and the holdingsubstrate 8. Thereflector 5 is disposed along the inner wall of thehousing 10. Reflecting the shape of thereflector 5, thehousing 10 has a container shape, including an opening at its upper part, that is, in the direction where theliquid crystal panel 1 is disposed. The material of thehousing 10 is, for example, resin or a metal plate. -
FIG. 2 is a section view showing around thelight source 7 of the planarlight source apparatus 200 in an enlarged manner. Thelight source 7 is disposed at amain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. The light-distribution control element 6 is disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 so as to cover thelight source 7. - Holding Substrate
- In the first preferred embodiment, the outer shape of the holding
substrate 8 is elongated in the x-axis direction. That is, the outer shape of the holdingsubstrate 8 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6, and the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7 which will be described later. Further, in a plan view, the holdingsubstrate 8 is quadrangular plate-like. Still further, the holdingsubstrate 8 has themain surface 81. Themain surface 81 is the front surface of the holdingsubstrate 8, which front surface is, for example, an installation surface. The holdingsubstrate 8 is an installation substrate where thelight sources 7 which will be described later are installed at itsmain surface 81. Themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 includes, for example, a white resist layer or a white silk layer on a resist layer, and has a function as a reflecting surface. The holdingsubstrate 8 at which thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 are disposed is held at abottom surface 10 a of thehousing 10. The surface of the holdingsubstrate 8 held at thebottom surface 10 a of thehousing 10 is arear surface 82 on the side opposite to themain surface 81. Therear surface 82 of the holdingsubstrate 8 is a surface of the holdingsubstrate 8 oriented in the −z-axis direction. Therear surface 82 of the holdingsubstrate 8 transfers the heat generated by thelight sources 7 to thehousing 10 through themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8, to dissipate the heat. Further, the planarlight source apparatus 200 may be, for example, provided with a heat dissipation sheet between the holdingsubstrate 8 and thehousing 10, to enhance the heat dissipation effect. - Light Sources
- The
light source 7 is disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. In the first preferred embodiment, the planarlight source apparatus 200 includes a plurality of light sources.FIG. 3 is a plan view of thelight sources 7 disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8.FIG. 3 does not show the light-distribution control element 6 disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. Each oflight sources 7 is arranged in a row at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 discretely, that is, at predetermined intervals. The arrangement direction is the x-axis direction. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 2 , a rear surface 72 that is a surface of thelight source 7 oriented in the −z-axis direction is in contact with themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. Accordingly, thelight sources 7 are held at the holdingsubstrate 8. Further, thelight sources 7 are electrically connected to the holdingsubstrate 8, and thelight sources 7 are each supplied with power via the rear surface 72. Further, in the first preferred embodiment, the surfaces of eachlight source 7 other than the rear surface 72 are light emission surfaces. For example, afront surface 71 opposite to the rear surface 72 of eachlight source 7 is a light emission surface. Alternatively, for example, when thelight sources 7 are each rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, the five surfaces of eachlight source 7 excluding the rear surface 72 are the light emission surfaces. - The
light sources 7 are each, for example, a solid-state light source. The solid-state light source is, for example, an LED. Alternatively, examples of thelight sources 7 include organic electroluminescence light sources and light sources that emit light by a phosphor applied to a flat surface being irradiated with excitation light. Note that, in the first preferred embodiment, thelight sources 7 are LEDs. - Light-Distribution Control Element
- The light-
distribution control element 6 is disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 so as to cover thelight sources 7. That is, the light-distribution control element 6 is disposed in the +z-axis direction with reference to thelight sources 7 so as to surroundlight sources 7. In the first preferred embodiment, the light-distribution control element 6 is an optical element which is elongated in the arrangement direction of the plurality of light sources, that is, in the x-axis direction. For example, the light-distribution control element 6 is a cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens is a lens that has a cylindrical refracting surface. The cylindrical lens has a curvature in a first direction, and does not have a curvature in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. The light exiting from the cylindrical lens is condensed in one direction or diverged. For example, when parallel light rays enter a convex cylindrical lens, the light rays are linearly condensed. The condensed light is called a focal line. In the first preferred embodiment, the first direction is the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7, that is, the y-axis direction. The second direction is a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7, that is, the x-axis direction. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , of a plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6, a rear surface, that is, aninstallation surface 63 that opposes to the holdingsubstrate 8 and abuts on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. Thus, the light-distribution control element 6 is held at the holdingsubstrate 8. In the first preferred embodiment, theinstallation surface 63 includes a surface which is parallel to themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. - The plurality of surfaces that form the outer shape of the light-
distribution control element 6 include alight incident surface 61 at a position different from theinstallation surface 63. Thelight incident surface 61 is positioned to cover thelight sources 7, and is formed by a concave curved surface or a flat surface. The concave curved surface is, for example, an aspheric surface or a cylindrical surface. Thelight incident surface 61 extends in the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6. That is, thelight incident surface 61 is groove-shaped. On thelight incident surface 61, light emitted from thelight sources 7 becomes incident. - Further, the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-
distribution control element 6 include alight emitting surface 62 at a position different from theinstallation surface 63. Thelight emitting surface 62 is positioned on the side opposite to thelight sources 7 with reference to thelight incident surface 61. That is, thelight emitting surface 62 is the surface of the light-distribution control element 6 oriented in the +z-axis direction, that is, the surface exposed in the +z-axis direction. Thelight emitting surface 62 includes a convex cylindrical surface, and the cylindrical surface has a convex curvature in the surface perpendicular to the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7, that is, in the y-z plane. Further, thelight emitting surface 62 is greater in area than thelight incident surface 61. The light entering from thelight incident surface 61 exits outside the light-distribution control element 6 from thelight emitting surface 62. - The light-
distribution control element 6 includes adiffusion part 6 a provided at least at one surface. The at least one surface is one of the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. The at least one surface where thediffusion part 6 a is provided is different from theinstallation surface 63. In the first preferred embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a is provided along thelight incident surface 61, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6. Further, herein, thediffusion part 6 a is provided at a front surface of the at least one surface, and include a smooth surface that is not a coarse surface at the front surface. The smooth surface is, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface that forms a mirror surface. The smooth surface is formed by extrusion which will be described later. Note that, while thediffusion part 6 a shown inFIG. 2 is provided on the entirelight incident surface 61, thediffusion part 6 a may be provided at part of thelight incident surface 61. - The
diffusion part 6 a contains a diffusing material. Thediffusion part 6 a is formed by a base material containing a diffusing agent. The base material of thediffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material is, for example, acrylic resin (PMMA). Thediffusion part 6 a has a thickness, the distribution of which is even. The thickness of thediffusion part 6 a or the concentration of the diffusing material contained in thediffusion part 6 a is adjusted so that the degree of diffusion of light by thediffusion part 6 a becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. That is, the thickness of thediffusion part 6 a or the concentration of the diffusing material contained in thediffusion part 6 a will not cancel the effect of the light distribution control exerted by thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. - The light-
distribution control element 6 further includes a light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b that includes thelight emitting surface 62 and theinstallation surface 63. The light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b is made of a transparent material. For example, the transparent material is acrylic resin (PMMA). While the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b may contain the diffusing material, in such a case, the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b is lower in concentration of the diffusing material than thediffusion part 6 a of the light-distribution control element 6. That is, the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b is higher in transparency than thediffusion part 6 a. - The
diffusion part 6 a and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b are an integrated component. That is, the light-distribution control element 6 is a component in which thediffusion part 6 a and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b are integrally molded. The front surface of thediffusion part 6 a and the surface of the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b being adjacent to thediffusion part 6 a are preferably flush with each other. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the above-describedlight sources 7 are disposed in the recess formed by thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6. The recess means the space surrounded by thelight incident surface 61 and themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. That is, the recess is the space positioned in the −z-axis direction of thelight incident surface 61. - An optical axis C of the light-
distribution control element 6 is parallel to the z axis. The “optical axis” herein is a straight line that passes through the center and a focal point of a lens or a spherical mirror. When an optical element has a cylindrical surface, the optical axis C is determined by the sectional shape of the optical element having a curvature. In the first preferred embodiment, the optical axis C is determined by the plane perpendicular to the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7, that is, the shape of thelight emitting surface 62 in the y-z plane perpendicular to the x-axis direction. - The light-
distribution control element 6 has a function of spreading, in a predetermined direction, the propagating direction of light emitted from thelight sources 7, thereby changing light distribution. In the first preferred embodiment, the predetermined direction is the direction in which the cylindrical surface of the light-distribution control element 6 spreads light, and is a direction parallel to thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 which will be described later and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6. Note that, in the first preferred embodiment, thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 is parallel to themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. Accordingly, the predetermined direction is the direction parallel to themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6. That is, the direction is the y-axis direction. - Note that, the “light distribution” refers to luminous intensity distribution of the light source to the space. That is, the “light distribution” is the spatial distribution of light emitted from the light sources. Further, the “luminous intensity” indicates the intensity of light emitted from a luminous element, and is obtained by dividing a pencil of light passing within a minute solid angle in a certain direction by the minute solid angle. That is, the luminous intensity is a physical quantity that represents the degree of intensity of light emitted from a light source. With such a structure, the light-
distribution control element 6 condenses or diverges light emitted from thelight sources 7 on the y-z plane. - Further, as described above, the light-
distribution control element 6 is bar-shaped. Accordingly, in the planarlight source apparatus 200, the number of the light-distribution control element 6 can be smaller than the number of thelight sources 7 arranged in a row. For example, in the first preferred embodiment, while the planarlight source apparatus 200 includes thelight sources 7, the number of installed light-distribution control element 6 is one. In this manner, when the light-distribution control element 6 is bar-shaped, the number of installed light-distribution control element 6 can be reduced with the planarlight source apparatus 200. Further, an operation of attaching the light-distribution control element 6 just requires fixing one light-distribution control element 6 relative to thelight sources 7 arranged in a row and, therefore, fixing work such as bonding is performed easily. - Reflector
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , in the first preferred embodiment, the planarlight source apparatus 200 includes thereflector 5. Thereflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 held at the holdingsubstrate 8.FIG. 4 is a plan view of thereflector 5. Note that,FIG. 4 does not show thediffuser 4. As shown inFIG. 4 , thereflector 5 has onebottom surface 51 which is parallel to the x-y plane and four side surfaces 52 (side surfaces 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d) that are connected to thebottom surface 51. In this manner, thereflector 5 has five surfaces. As shown inFIG. 1 , the side surfaces 52 of thereflector 5 surround the outer circumference of theopening 53 that opposes to thebottom surface 51. In the first preferred embodiment, thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 has a quadrangular shape which is smaller than the quadrangular shape of thediffuser 4. Further, thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 is disposed in parallel to thediffuser 4, that is, in parallel to the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200. Still further, the side surfaces 52 of thereflector 5 connect between the outer circumference of thebottom surface 51 and the outer circumference of thediffuser 4. That is, the fourside surfaces 52 are inclined from the outer circumference of thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 toward the outer circumference of thediffuser 4. In this manner, thereflector 5 and thediffuser 4 structure a hollow container shape. - In the following, a description will be given of the shape of the
reflector 5 based on the x-y-z coordinate axes. Out of the fourside surfaces 52 shown inFIG. 4 , twoside surfaces bottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 which are parallel to the x-axis direction are inclined so as to be increasingly spaced apart from each other toward the +z-axis direction. That is, theside surface 52 a in the +y-axis direction is inclined counterclockwise relative to the y-z plane about the connected portion with thebottom surface 51 as seen from the −x-axis direction. Further, theside surface 52 b in the −y-axis direction is inclined clockwise relative to the y-z plane about the connected portion with thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 as seen from the −x-axis direction. Still further, out of the fourside surfaces 52, twoside surfaces bottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 which are parallel to the y-axis direction are also inclined so as to be increasingly spaced apart from each other toward the +z-axis direction. That is, theside surface 52 c in the −x-axis direction is inclined counterclockwise relative to the z-x plane about the connected portion with thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 as seen from the −y-axis direction. Further, theside surface 52 d in the +x-axis direction is inclined clockwise relative to the z-x plane about the connected portion with thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 as seen from the −y-axis direction. In the +z-axis direction of thereflector 5 that is opposite to thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5, theopening 53 is formed. - As shown in
FIG. 1 or 4 , within a surface defined by thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5, thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 held at the holdingsubstrate 8 are disposed. That is, in a plan view of the planarlight source apparatus 200, thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 are disposed within the surface of thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5. - Further, the
bottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 according to the first preferred embodiment has an opening corresponding to the position where the holdingsubstrate 8 is disposed. As shown inFIG. 2 , acontour part 55 that forms the opening is positioned on the opposite sides of the holdingsubstrate 8, and disposed between the light-distribution control element 6 and thehousing 10. That is, thecontour part 55 is disposed so as to surround the outer circumference of the holdingsubstrate 8 as seen in a plan view, and disposed at the clearance between the light-distribution control element 6 and thehousing 10 as seen in a section view. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thereflector 5 has a reflectingsurface 54 inside. Thereflector 5 is a member that reflects light, and the reflectingsurface 54 is, for example, a reflection sheet being a sheet-like member. The reflectingsurface 54 of thereflector 5 may be, for example, a diffusively reflecting surface. Thereflector 5 may be a light reflection sheet made of resin such as polyethylene terephthalate as a base material, or a light reflection sheet obtained by vapor deposition of metal on a surface of a substrate. - Diffuser
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , thediffuser 4 is disposed so as to oppose to thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 and to cover the light-distribution control element 6. In the first preferred embodiment, thediffuser 4 is disposed so as to cover theopening 53. Thediffuser 4 is disposed at the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200. That is, thediffuser 4 is disposed in the +z-axis direction relative to thereflector 5. Thediffuser 4 is, for example, thin plate-shaped. Alternatively, for example, thediffuser 4 is sheet-like. Alternatively, thediffuser 4 may be structured to include a transparent substrate and a diffuser film formed on the transparent substrate. - The
diffuser 4 diffuses light. To “diffuse” means to spread and disperse. That is, it means to cause light to scatter. Note that, in the following description, for example, the description such as “the light rays reach thediffuser 4” is used. As described above, thediffuser 4 is disposed at theopening 53 of thereflector 5. Thus, the description “the light rays reach thediffuser 4” can translate to “the light rays reach theopening 53”. Further, theopening 53 or thediffuser 4 functions as the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200. Accordingly, the description “the light rays reach thediffuser 4” can translate to “the light rays reach the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200”. - Method of Manufacturing Planar Light Source Apparatus
- The method of manufacturing the planar
light source apparatus 200 includes the following step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6, that is, a step of manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6. In the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6, the light-distribution control element 6 is manufactured by, for example, extrusion. More specifically, thediffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b being higher in transparency than thediffusion part 6 a are integrally molded by double extrusion molding. That is, the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 includes a step of forming thediffusion part 6 a by double extrusion molding at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. The at least one surface at which thediffusion part 6 a is formed is, as described above, a surface different from theinstallation surface 63 which is capable of abutting on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. In the first preferred embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a is formed at thelight incident surface 61. - Underlying Technology Relating to Light Distribution
- Prior to describing the operation and effect of the planar
light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment, a description will be given of the underlying technology in the present specification. Note that, the description of the underlying technology will be exemplarily given of a planar light source apparatus that does not include thediffusion part 6 a.FIG. 5 is a section view showing the structure around thelight source 7 included in a planarlight source apparatus 300 according to the underlying technology not including thediffusion part 6 a. As shown inFIG. 5 , a light-distribution control element 96 included in the planarlight source apparatus 300 is not provided with any diffusion part. On the other hand, the positions of thelight incident surface 61, thelight emitting surface 62, and theinstallation surface 63 in the light-distribution control element 96 are similar to those of thelight incident surface 61, thelight emitting surface 62, and theinstallation surface 63 in the light-distribution control element 6 included in the planarlight source apparatus 200 shown inFIG. 2 .FIG. 5 also shows part oflight rays 73 a that are emitted from thelight source 7 in the +z-axis direction and spread just on the y-z plane. The light rays 73 a are light rays that are emitted from thelight source 7 at a narrow angle in the −y-axis direction relative to the optical axis C. The light rays 73 a emitted from thelight source 7 are refracted at thelight incident surface 61, and enter inside the light-distribution control element 96. Based on the Snell laws of refraction, when a light ray becomes incident on a medium with a greater refractive index from a medium with a smaller refractive index, the angle of refraction of the light ray becomes smaller than the incident angle. Further, when a light ray becomes incident on a medium with a smaller refractive index from a medium with a greater refractive index, the angle of refraction of the light ray becomes greater than the incident angle. In the case where the light-distribution control element 96 is made of acrylic resin, as shown inFIG. 5 , the light rays 73 a are refracted in the −y-axis direction at thelight incident surface 61. The light rays 73 a propagate inside the light-distribution control element 96, to reach thelight emitting surface 62. The light rays 73 a are refracted in the direction in which the angle relative to the optical axis C further increases, that is, in the −y-axis direction, by thelight emitting surface 62 having a convex shape. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the light-distribution control element 96, observing the x-y plane from the +z-axis direction.FIG. 6 also shows part of alight ray 73 b emitted from thelight source 7. Out of the light rays that are emitted from thelight source 7 and spread just on the y-z plane, thelight ray 73 b is a light ray whose angle relative to the optical axis C is greater than the light rays 73 a. The light rays that spread just on the y-z plane are the light rays that spread just in the top-bottom direction inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the side surface around thelight source 7 of the planarlight source apparatus 300, observing the z-x plane from the −y-axis direction.FIG. 7 also shows part of alight ray 73 c that is emitted from thelight source 7. Out of the light rays that are emitted from thelight source 7 and spread just on the y-z plane, thelight ray 73 c is a light ray whose angle relative to the optical axis C is greater than the light rays 73 a. The light rays that spread just on the y-z plane are the light rays that spread just in the top-bottom direction inFIG. 7 . - As shown in
FIGS. 5 to 7 , the light-distribution control element 96 diverges the light emitted from thelight sources 7. The light rays 73 a, thelight ray 73 b, or thelight ray 73 c emitted from the light-distribution control element 96 reach thediffuser 4 shown inFIG. 1 . While the light rays are not shown, part of the light rays reaching thediffuser 4 reflect and propagate inside the container-shaped space of thereflector 5. The light rays are reflected at thebottom surface 51 or theside surface 52 of thereflector 5 and again reach thediffuser 4. The reached light is diffused while transmitting through thediffuser 4. Then, the light having transmitted through thediffuser 4 becomes even planar illumination light. The illumination light becomes incident on therear surface 1 b of theliquid crystal panel 1 through theoptical sheet 3 and theoptical sheet 2. -
FIG. 8 is a section view showing around thelight source 7 of the planarlight source apparatus 300, and also shows part oflight rays 73 d emitted from thelight source 7. The light rays 73 d are different from the light rays 73 a shown inFIG. 5 , and include also the angular component spreading in the +x-axis direction, that is, the vector component in the +x-axis direction. Further,FIG. 9 is a plan view of the light-distribution control element 96, observing the x-y plane from the +z-axis direction.FIG. 9 also shows part oflight rays 73 f emitted from thelight source 7. The light rays 73 f have a vector component in the +x-axis direction. Note that, the light rays having the angular component spreading in the x-axis direction means light rays spreading diagonally or in parallel to the x axis inFIG. 9 . The light rays 73 d shown inFIG. 8 or the light rays 73 f shown inFIG. 9 are greater in the incident angle relative to thelight emitting surface 62 than the light rays 73 a that propagate just on the y-z plane shown inFIG. 5 . This is because of the vector component in the +x-axis direction being combined with the incident angle relative to thelight emitting surface 62. Accordingly, the light rays having a great vector component in the +x-axis direction are likely to satisfy the total reflection condition at thelight emitting surface 62. - The light rays 73 e shown in
FIG. 8 are, out of the light rays 73 d emitted from thelight source 7, light rays with greater incident angles relative to thelight emitting surface 62 and which are totally reflected. The light rays 73 e totally reflected at thelight emitting surface 62 propagate in the −z-axis direction, and part of the light rays 73 e are refracted at theinstallation surface 63 of the light-distribution control element 96, that is, part of the rear surface, and reach thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5. The light rays 73 e reaching thebottom surface 51 of thereflector 5 are diffuse-reflected at the reflectingsurface 54. While not shown, part of the diffuse-reflected light rays again enter inside the light-distribution control element 96, and other light rays reach thediffuser 4. The light rays entering inside the light-distribution control element 96 are refracted at thelight emitting surface 62 and emitted. The light rays emitted from thelight emitting surface 62 reach thediffuser 4. Further, while not shown, separately from the light rays 73 d or the light rays 73 e, part of the light rays emitted from thelight sources 7 and reflected at thelight emitting surface 62 reach themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. The light rays are reflected at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8, and again enter inside the light-distribution control element 96. Then, the light rays are refracted at thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 96 and reach thediffuser 4. - The above-described light rays emitted from the
light sources 7 and reaching thediffuser 4 can be separated into two components, that is, a direct light component and a reflected light component. The direct light component is light rays, out of the light rays emitted from thelight sources 7, that are refracted at the light-distribution control element 6 and thereafter directly reach thediffuser 4. The reflected light component is light rays that are reflected inside the light-distribution control element 6 and thereafter diffuse-reflected at thereflector 5, and reach thediffuser 4. The reflected light component is influenced by diffuse-reflection by thereflector 5 and, therefore, it is difficult to control the spatial distribution of such light with the light-distribution control element 6. In order to efficiently use light emitted from thelight sources 7, the planarlight source apparatus 200 may control distribution of light including the reflected light component. Further, in order to obtain illumination light which exhibits even luminance distribution at the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200, it is preferable to control the proportion between the direct light component and the reflected light component with the light-distribution control element 6. For example, the light-distribution control element 6 may exert control to intentionally vary the distribution of the direct light component according to the distribution of the reflected light component. - Further, as described above, recent reduction in size and increase in efficiency of the
light sources 7 require the planarlight source apparatus 200 to exert ever higher light distribution control. In connection therewith, there exists increasing demand for higher disposition precision of thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6 considered to be essential for the planarlight source apparatus 200. Further, there also exists increasing demand for higher disposition precision of the optical component that spreads the light rays emitted from thelight sources 7, and shape precision of the optical members. That is, there also exists increasing demand for higher surface shape precision of thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight emitting surface 62. In the case where the light-distribution control element 6 is manufactured by extrusion, the shape precision that can be managed in the manufacturing process may fail to satisfy the required specification. As has been described above, the degree of difficulty in manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6, and consequently in manufacturing the planarlight source apparatus 200, have been increasing recent years. - Operation of Diffusion Part
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FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 included in the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment.FIG. 10 also shows part oflight rays 73 g emitted from thelight source 7. As described above, the planarlight source apparatus 200 includes thediffusion part 6 a at thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6. The light rays 73 g emitted from thelight source 7 and becoming incident on thediffusion part 6 a of thelight incident surface 61 are diffused by the diffusing material contained in thediffusion part 6 a, and change their traveling directions. Note that, the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a is smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 g at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. That is, in thediffusion part 6 a, while the light rays 73 g have their traveling directions changed in random directions, multiple scattering enough to cancel the effect of light distribution control by thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 will not occur. - The distributed light is directed to the light emitting surface of the planar
light source apparatus 200, that is, thediffuser 4, by the refraction which is dependent on the surface shape of thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6. When scattering of light by the diffusing material becomes dominant over refraction, it becomes difficult to refract and distribute the light rays 73 g as intended at thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6. For example, when the light scattering effect by the diffusing material of thediffusion part 6 a increases, the luminance of the planarlight source apparatus 200 may become higher near the position where thelight sources 7 are disposed, and may become lower as farther from thelight sources 7. In the first preferred embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a has the thickness or the concentration of the diffusing material with which the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 g at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. Accordingly, the light scattering attained by thediffusion part 6 a will not become dominant. - The light rays 73 g shown in
FIG. 10 schematically represent the manner of diffusion, that is, scattering, of light rays becoming incident on thediffusion part 6 a. The light rays 73 g emitted from thelight source 7 are refracted at thelight incident surface 61, and become incident on thediffusion part 6 a. Note that, inFIG. 10 , while the light rays 73 g becoming incident on thediffusion part 6 a are represented by three lines, each of the light rays 73 g includes three light rays that travel through a substantially identical optical path. That is, the light rays 73 g shown inFIG. 10 consist of nine light rays in total. The light rays 73 g that propagate through a substantially identical optical path and becoming incident on thediffusion part 6 a have their traveling direction changed in random directions by the diffusing material contained in thediffusion part 6 a. The diffused light rays 73 g reach thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 while substantially maintaining the refracted directions at thelight incident surface 61. The light rays 73 g emitted from thelight emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where nodiffusion part 6 a is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves. - Further, by the
diffusion part 6 a, the light rays 73 g travel light propagation paths that are independent of the surface shape of thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6. In the case where the light-distribution control element 6 is misaligned from a predetermined position relative to thelight sources 7, while the incident angle and the emission angle of the light rays at thelight incident surface 61 deviate from the design value, thediffusion part 6 a alleviates the deviation. The same holds true for the case where the shape precision of thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 does not satisfy the required precision, and thediffusion part 6 a alleviates the adverse effect. In this manner, thediffusion part 6 a can decrease the sensitivity of the light rays 73 g to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision. In other words, thediffusion part 6 a provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6. As a result, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200 stabilizes. - Effect
- As described above, the light rays 73 g emitted from the
light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider are as compared to the case where nodiffusion part 6 a is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves. Further, thediffusion part 6 a provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6. Hence, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planarlight source apparatus 200 stabilizes. - In summary, the planar
light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment includes thelight source 7, the holdingsubstrate 8 that holds thelight source 7 at themain surface 81, and the light-distribution control element 6 that is disposed at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8 so as to cover thelight source 7, and changes distribution of light emitted from thelight source 7. The light-distribution control element 6 includes thediffusion part 6 a that is provided at at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. The at least one surface where thediffusion part 6 a is provided is a surface different from theinstallation surface 63 capable of abutting on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. - With the structure described above, the planar
light source apparatus 200 can improve evenness of planar light using both the light rays transmitted through thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6, and the light rays reflected at thelight emitting surface 62. Further, this structure improves robustness during manufacture in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holdingsubstrate 8, or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight source 7. Further, the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a can be adjusted by the thickness of thediffusion part 6 a. It becomes possible to adjust so that the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays attained by thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. - Further, the planar
light source apparatus 200 emits planar light with highly even luminance distribution and, accordingly, the planarlight source apparatus 200 can be used not just as the backlight of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 but also as, for example, an illumination apparatus used for illuminating a room or the like. Further, the planarlight source apparatus 200 can be used as, for example, an advertisement display apparatus in which a picture or the like is illuminated from the rear surface side. Note that, the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 including the planarlight source apparatus 200 shown in the preferred embodiment is merely an example. The similar effect can be exhibited by a display apparatus that includes a display panel being different in type from theliquid crystal panel 1 and the planarlight source apparatus 200, in which the planarlight source apparatus 200 illuminates the display panel. - Further, in the first preferred embodiment, the plurality of surfaces being a surface different from the
installation surface 63 include thelight incident surface 61 that is positioned so as to cover thelight sources 7 and on which the light rays 73 g emitted from thelight sources 7 become incident, and thelight emitting surface 62 from which the light rays 73 g becoming incident on thelight incident surface 61 are emitted. The at least one surface where thediffusion part 6 a is provided is thelight incident surface 61. Since thelight incident surface 61 is near to thelight sources 7, a multitude of light rays emitted from thelight sources 7 transmit through thelight incident surface 61. Thediffusion part 6 a provided at thelight incident surface 61 scatters a great amount of light emitted from thelight sources 7. Further, by virtue of thediffusion part 6 a being formed at thelight incident surface 61 which is smaller in area than thelight emitting surface 62, the light-distribution control element 6 can be obtained at lower costs. - Further, in the first preferred embodiment, the
light source 7 includes the plurality of light sources that are discretely arranged in a row at themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. The longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6 is in the arrangement direction of thelight sources 7. Thelight incident surface 61 extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a concave curved surface or a flat surface that covers the plurality of light sources. Thelight emitting surface 62 includes a convex cylindrical surface in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thediffusion part 6 a extends in the longitudinal direction. With such a structure, the planarlight source apparatus 200 can include the light-distribution control element 6 by the number smaller than the number of thelight sources 7. That is, the planarlight source apparatus 200 can reduce the number of the employed light-distribution control element 6. Further, the attaching process thereof simply includes fixing the light-distribution control element 6 being smaller in number than thelight sources 7 to thelight sources 7 arranged in a row and, therefore, the attaching work is easy. Further, the bar-like light-distribution control element 6 can be manufactured by extrusion, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the planarlight source apparatus 200. - Note that, the light-
distribution control element 6 is not limited to an optical element that is bar-shaped in the longitudinal direction of thelight sources 7. A planar light source apparatus exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the first preferred embodiment, for example, when one light-distribution control element such as a hemispheric lens is attached to one light source. However, with the planar light source apparatus including individual light-distribution control elements for the light sources, the number of installed light-distribution control elements increases. Further, in the manufacturing process thereof, the light-distribution control elements (lenses) may be fixed to the light sources, respectively, and hence the number of steps increases. - Further, the planar
light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment further includes thereflector 5. Thereflector 5 includes theopening 53 in which thediffuser 4 is provided, and the reflectingsurface 54. Further, thereflector 5 has a container shape capable of housing thelight sources 7 and the light-distribution control element 6. The reflectingsurface 54 is disposed inside the container shape, and reflects light emitted from the light-distribution control element 6. Theopening 53 emits the light emitted from the light-distribution control element 6 and the light reflected at the reflectingsurface 54 via thediffuser 4. With such a structure, the planarlight source apparatus 200 emits planar light with further improved evenness. - Further, the
diffusion part 6 a included in the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment is formed by the light-distribution control element 6 containing a diffusing material. With such a structure, the degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a can be adjusted by the concentration of the diffusing material in thediffusion part 6 a. The degree of diffusion of the light rays 73 g attained by thediffusion part 6 a can be adjusted to be smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of light rays at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. - Further, the
diffusion part 6 a included in the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment is provided at the front surface of the at least one surface to include a smooth surface. The at least one surface is one of the plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. With such a structure, thediffusion part 6 a can be integrally formed with the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b by double extrusion molding. - Further, the thickness distribution of the
diffusion part 6 a of the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment is even. With such a structure, the planarlight source apparatus 200 can evenly distribute light irrespective of the shape precision of the surface where thediffusion part 6 a is provided, or the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6 relative to thelight sources 7. - The light-
distribution control element 6 included in the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment further includes the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b being higher in transparency than thediffusion part 6 a. Thediffusion part 6 a and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b are integrated with each other. With such a structure, the positional relationship between thediffusion part 6 a and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b stabilizes. Relative to the positions of thelight sources 7, thediffusion part 6 a or the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b can be positioned at once. Further, the light-distribution control element 6 that includes thediffusion part 6 a and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b can be manufactured by double molding, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the planarlight source apparatus 200. - A display apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment is the liquid
crystal display apparatus 100. The liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 includes the planarlight source apparatus 200 and a display panel that converts planar light emitted from the planarlight source apparatus 200 into image light. The display panel is theliquid crystal panel 1. Since theliquid crystal panel 1 is illuminated with the light with improved evenness by the planarlight source apparatus 200, the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 realizes higher image quality than the conventional technique. - A method of manufacturing the planar
light source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment includes a step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6. The step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6 includes a step of forming thediffusion part 6 a by double extrusion molding at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. The at least one surface where thediffusion part 6 a is formed is a surface different from theinstallation surface 63 capable of abutting on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. The at least one surface is, in the first preferred embodiment, thelight incident surface 61. According to the method of manufacturing the planarlight source apparatus 200 having such a structure, thediffusion part 6 a is integrally molded with the light-distribution control element 6 and, therefore, the position of thediffusion part 6 a in the light-distribution control element 6 stabilizes. For example, relative to the positions of thelight sources 7, thediffusion part 6 a or the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b can be positioned at once. Further, the manufacturing costs of the planarlight source apparatus 200 can be reduced. - Further, according to the method of manufacturing the light-
distribution control element 6 by extrusion, the length of the light-distribution control element 6 can be freely changed. For example, in the case where the size of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 is different, the light-distribution control element 6 having just its length changed can be manufactured using the same mold assembly, and installed on the planarlight source apparatus 200. Further, similarly, any change in the mold assembly for fabricating the light-distribution control element 6 is not necessary when the number of installedlight sources 7 increases or reduces. For example, when the installedlight sources 7 are increased in number in order to improve luminance, each oflight sources 7 can be covered with the same light-distribution control element 6. That is, with the planarlight source apparatus 200, luminance can be adjusted just by changing the number of the installedlight sources 7. The light-distribution control element 6 manufactured by extrusion makes it possible to fabricate the planarlight source apparatus 200 with thelight sources 7 being optimum in the number and the disposition. Thus, the light-distribution control element 6 manufactured by extrusion is flexible about changes in the specification of the planarlight source apparatus 200. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the first preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in the first preferred embodiment will not be repeated.
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FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 201 according to a modification of the first preferred embodiment. In the present modification, the at least one surface where thediffusion part 6 a is provided is thelight emitting surface 62. Thediffusion part 6 a is formed along a front surface of thelight emitting surface 62. While thediffusion part 6 a shown inFIG. 11 is provided on the upper surface side (the +z-axis direction) of thelight emitting surface 62, thediffusion part 6 a may be provided so as to cover also the side surface (the surface in the y-axis direction). Further, the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b being integrated with thediffusion part 6 a includes thelight incident surface 61 and theinstallation surface 63 in the present modification. - The planar
light source apparatus 201 having such a structure exhibits the optical effect similar to that exhibited by the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment. Further, since thelight emitting surface 62 is greater in area than thelight incident surface 61, thediffusion part 6 a is formed easily. - While not shown in the drawing, the
diffusion part 6 a may be formed along both thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62. The planar light source apparatus having such a structure also exhibits the effect similar to that described above. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in the first preferred embodiment will not be repeated.
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FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 202 according to the second preferred embodiment. Thediffusion part 6 a is provided at apartial region 61 a in thelight incident surface 61. That is, in the second preferred embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a is provided at thepartial region 61 a at the front surface of at least one of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. - The density of light rays becoming incident on the
light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6, that is, the light intensity per unit area, differs among the sites in thelight incident surface 61. The required precision in the surface shape depends on the density of light rays. Thediffusion part 6 a according to the second preferred embodiment is provided at thepartial region 61 a corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required. For example, in the case where higher surface shape precision than surrounding is required for a site being higher in the density of light rays than the surrounding site, thepartial region 61 a of thelight incident surface 61 where thediffusion part 6 a is provided is higher in the density of light rays passing therethrough than the surrounding region. - In the planar
light source apparatus 202 including such a structure, robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holdingsubstrate 8, or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight sources 7 improves. Further, the amount of the diffusing material used in thediffusion part 6 a can be reduced, whereby the manufacturing costs of the light-distribution control element 6 are reduced. - Similarly, the density of light rays becoming incident on the
light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in thelight emitting surface 62. While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus in which the diffusion part is provided at the partial region where the density of light rays is high in thelight emitting surface 62 exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the second preferred embodiment. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in the first preferred embodiment will not be repeated.
-
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 203 according to the third preferred embodiment. In the third preferred embodiment, similarly to the first preferred embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a is formed along thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6. Note that, the thickness distribution of thediffusion part 6 a according to the third preferred embodiment is uneven. That is, the thickness of thediffusion part 6 a differs among the in-plane positions of thelight incident surface 61. The thickness distribution of thediffusion part 6 a corresponds to the distribution of density of light rays transmitting through thelight incident surface 61. - The density of light rays becoming incident on the
light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 differs among the sites in thelight incident surface 61. The required precision in the surface shape depends on the density of light rays. The thickness of thediffusion part 6 a is great in the region corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required, and small in the region where the required surface shape precision is low. For example, in the case where high surface shape precision is required for a site being higher in density of light rays than the surrounding site, the thickness of thediffusion part 6 a is greater at such site than at the surrounding site. On the other hand, the thickness of thediffusion part 6 a is smaller than the surrounding site at a site where the density of light rays is lower than the surrounding site. In the planarlight source apparatus 203 including such a structure, robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holdingsubstrate 8, or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight sources 7 improves. Further, since thediffusion part 6 a is provided efficiently, the use amount of the diffusing material is reduced and hence costs are reduced. - Similarly, the density of light rays becoming incident on the
light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in thelight emitting surface 62. While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus including the diffusion part having thickness distribution corresponding to the distribution of the density of light rays in thelight emitting surface 62 exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the third preferred embodiment. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in any of the first to third preferred embodiments will not be repeated.
- Structure
-
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment. The light-distribution control element 6 includes thediffusion part 6 a at least at one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. Thediffusion part 6 a is provided at a front surface of the at least one surface, and includes arough surface structure 6 c. In the present embodiment, thediffusion part 6 a is therough surface structure 6 c. Therough surface structure 6 c is a micro structure having recesses and projections.FIG. 15 does not show the height and intervals of the recesses and projections of therough surface structure 6 c. The curvature of the concave-shapedlight incident surface 61 is greater than the recesses and projections of therough surface structure 6 c. Further, the curvature of the convex-shapedlight emitting surface 62 is greater than the recesses and projections of therough surface structure 6 c. Therough surface structure 6 c scatters or diffracts light rays emitted from thelight sources 7. In therough surface structure 6 c, the recesses and projections have intervals or height with which the degree of scattering or diffraction of light attained by therough surface structure 6 c becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. That is, therough surface structure 6 c will not cancel the effect of the light distribution control exhibited by thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. - The at least one surface where the
rough surface structure 6 c is formed as thediffusion part 6 a is a surface different from theinstallation surface 63. In the fourth preferred embodiment, therough surface structure 6 c is formed along thelight incident surface 61. Therough surface structure 6 c extends in the longitudinal direction of the light-distribution control element 6. Note that, while therough surface structure 6 c shown inFIG. 15 is formed over the entirelight incident surface 61, therough surface structure 6 c may be formed at part of thelight incident surface 61. Other than the structure of the light-distribution control element 6, the structure of the planarlight source apparatus 204 is identical to the planarlight source apparatus 200 according to the first preferred embodiment. - Method of Manufacturing Planar Light Source Apparatus
- A method of manufacturing the planar
light source apparatus 204 includes the following step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6, that is, a step of manufacturing the light-distribution control element 6. In the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6, the light-distribution control element 6 is manufactured by, for example, extrusion. The front surface of the at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6 is subjected to a roughening process, to form therough surface structure 6 c. The at least one surface where therough surface structure 6 c is formed is a surface different from theinstallation surface 63 capable of abutting on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. In the fourth preferred embodiment, therough surface structure 6 c is formed at thelight incident surface 61. - The roughening process includes a step of grinding the
light incident surface 61. For example, thelight incident surface 61 is subjected to friction when the light-distribution control element 6 undergoes extrusion. Alternatively, the roughening process includes a step of performing sand blasting on thelight incident surface 61 after the light-distribution control element 6 is molded. - Operation of Rough Surface Structure
-
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 included in the planarlight source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment.FIG. 15 also shows part oflight rays 73 h emitted from thelight source 7. The light rays 73 h emitted from thelight source 7 and becoming incident on therough surface structure 6 c of thelight incident surface 61 reach therough surface structure 6 c, and change their directions by being scattered or diffracted. Note that, the degree of the scattering or diffraction of the light rays 73 h attained by therough surface structure 6 c is smaller than the degree of refraction of the light rays 73 h at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. That is, while the light rays 73 h have their respective traveling directions changed in random directions at therough surface structure 6 c, multiple scattering or multiple diffraction enough to cancel the effect of the light distribution control exhibited by thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62 will not occur. - By the refraction which is dependent on the surface shape of the
light incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6, the distributed light is directed to the light emitting surface of the planarlight source apparatus 204, that is, to thediffuser 4. When the scattering of light by therough surface structure 6 c becomes dominant over refraction, the light-distribution control element 6 can hardly refract and distribute the light rays 73 h in a designed manner with thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62. For example, when the light scattering effect by therough surface structure 6 c becomes great, the luminance of the planarlight source apparatus 204 may become higher near thelight sources 7 and lower as becoming farther from thelight sources 7. In the fourth preferred embodiment, therough surface structure 6 c has intervals and height with which the scattering or diffraction of light attained by therough surface structure 6 c becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays at thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. Accordingly, scattering of light at therough surface structure 6 c will not become dominant. - The light rays 73 h shown in
FIG. 15 schematically show the manner of scattering of the light rays becoming incident on therough surface structure 6 c. The light rays 73 h emitted from thelight source 7 are refracted at thelight incident surface 61, and become incident on therough surface structure 6 c. Note that, inFIG. 15 , while the light rays 73 h becoming incident on therough surface structure 6 c are represented by three lines, each of the light rays 73 h includes three light rays that travel through a substantially identical optical path. Hence, the light rays 73 h shown inFIG. 15 consist of nine light rays in total. The light rays 73 h that propagate through a substantially identical optical path and becoming incident on have their traveling directions changed in random directions by therough surface structure 6 c. The light rays 73 h that are scattered or diffracted reach thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 while substantially maintaining the refracted directions at thelight incident surface 61. The light rays 73 h emitted from thelight emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where norough surface structure 6 c is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves. - Further, by the
rough surface structure 6 c, the light rays 73 h travel light propagation paths that are independent of the surface shape of thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6. In the case where the light-distribution control element 6 is misaligned from a predetermined position relative to thelight sources 7, while the incident angle and the emission angle of the light rays at thelight incident surface 61 deviate from the design value, therough surface structure 6 c alleviates the deviation. The same holds true for the case where the shape precision of thelight incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6 does not satisfy the required precision, and therough surface structure 6 c alleviates the adverse effect. In this manner, therough surface structure 6 c decrease the sensitivity of the light rays 73 h to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision. In other words, therough surface structure 6 c provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6. As a result, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planarlight source apparatus 204 stabilizes. - Effect
- As described above, the light rays 73 h emitted from the
light emitting surface 62 illuminate a wider area as compared to the case where norough surface structure 6 c is provided, that is, as compared to the underlying technology. Hence, the evenness of the planar light improves. Further, therough surface structure 6 c provides allowance to the surface shape precision and the disposition precision of the light-distribution control element 6. Hence, the luminance distribution at the irradiated surface of the planarlight source apparatus 204 stabilizes. - In summary, the
diffusion part 6 a of the planarlight source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment is provided at at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. Thediffusion part 6 a is provided at the front surface of the at least one surface to includerough surface structure 6 c. - With such a structure, the planar
light source apparatus 204 can improve evenness of planar light using both the light rays transmitted through thelight emitting surface 62 of the light-distribution control element 6 and the light rays reflected at thelight emitting surface 62. Further, this structure improves robustness during manufacture in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holdingsubstrate 8, or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight sources 7. Further, the degree of scattering of the light rays 73 h attained by therough surface structure 6 c can be adjusted by the height or intervals of therough surface structure 6 c. It becomes possible to adjust so that the degree of scattering of the light rays 73 h attained by therough surface structure 6 c becomes smaller as compared to the degree of refraction of the light rays attained by thelight incident surface 61 or thelight emitting surface 62. Further, therough surface structure 6 c can be obtained by performing simple surface work after or in molding the light-distribution control element 6. - A method of manufacturing the planar
light source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment includes a step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6, and a step of forming thediffusion part 6 a by forming therough surface structure 6 c by performing a roughening process on the front surface of at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. The at least one surface where therough surface structure 6 c is formed is a surface different from theinstallation surface 63 capable of abutting on themain surface 81 of the holdingsubstrate 8. In the fourth preferred embodiment, the at least one surface is thelight incident surface 61. The method of manufacturing the planarlight source apparatus 204 having such a structure is advantageous in that therough surface structure 6 c can be obtained by performing simple surface work after or in molding the light-distribution control element 6. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a modification of the fourth preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in the fourth preferred embodiment will not be repeated.
-
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 205 according to a modification of the fourth preferred embodiment. In the present modification, the at least one surface where therough surface structure 6 c being thediffusion part 6 a is formed is thelight emitting surface 62. Therough surface structure 6 c is formed along the surface of thelight emitting surface 62. Note that, while therough surface structure 6 c shown inFIG. 16 is formed on the upper surface side (the +z-axis direction) of thelight emitting surface 62, therough surface structure 6 c may be formed so as to cover also the side surface (the surface in the y-axis direction). The planarlight source apparatus 205 having such a structure exhibits the optical effect similar to that exhibited by the planarlight source apparatus 204 according to the fourth preferred embodiment. Further, since thelight emitting surface 62 is greater in area than thelight incident surface 61, therough surface structure 6 c is easily formed. - Further, while not shown in the drawing, the
rough surface structure 6 c may be formed along both thelight incident surface 61 and thelight emitting surface 62. A planar light source apparatus including such a structure exhibits the effect similar to that described above. - A description will be given of a planar light source apparatus according to a fifth preferred embodiment. The description of the structure similar to that in the fourth preferred embodiment will not be repeated.
-
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the structure around thelight source 7 of a planarlight source apparatus 206 according to the fifth preferred embodiment. Therough surface structure 6 c being thediffusion part 6 a is provided at thepartial region 61 a of thelight incident surface 61. That is, in the fifth preferred embodiment, therough surface structure 6 c is provided at thepartial region 61 a at the front surface of at least one of the plurality of surfaces structuring the outer shape of the light-distribution control element 6. - The density of light rays becoming incident on the
light incident surface 61 of the light-distribution control element 6, that is, the light intensity per unit area differs among the sites in thelight incident surface 61. The required surface shape precision depends on the density of light rays. Therough surface structure 6 c according to the fifth preferred embodiment is formed at thepartial region 61 a corresponding to the site where high surface shape precision is required. For example, in the case where higher surface shape precision than surrounding is required for a site being higher in the density of light rays than the surrounding site, thepartial region 61 a where therough surface structure 6 c is formed is the region higher in the density of light rays passing therethrough than the surrounding region. - The planar
light source apparatus 206 including such a structure improves robustness in relation to disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and the holdingsubstrate 8, or disposition of the light-distribution control element 6 and thelight sources 7. Further, this structure can reduce the area for forming therough surface structure 6 c, whereby the manufacturing costs of the light-distribution control element 6 can be reduced. - Similarly, the density of light rays becoming incident on the
light emitting surface 62 differs among the sites in thelight emitting surface 62. While not shown in the drawing, a planar light source apparatus in which the rough surface structure is formed at the partial region where the density of light rays is high in thelight emitting surface 62 also exhibits the effect similar to that exhibited by the fifth preferred embodiment. - As described above, the
diffusion part 6 a according to the first to third preferred embodiments is formed to contain a diffusing material, and thediffusion part 6 a according to the fourth and fifth preferred embodiments includes therough surface structure 6 c. While not shown in the drawing, the diffusion part may have a structure in which therough surface structure 6 c is provided at the front surface of thediffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material. Such a structure may be formed by, for example, applying friction to the front surface of thediffusion part 6 a when integrally molding thediffusion part 6 a containing the diffusing material and the light-distributioncontrol element body 6 b by double extrusion molding in the step of preparing the light-distribution control element 6. - In the foregoing preferred embodiments, the terms “parallel”, “perpendicular” and the like are used for describing the positional relationship or the shape of components. These terms include the range in which tolerance in manufacture or variations in assembly are taken into consideration. Accordingly, the description of the positional relationship or the shape of components in the claims includes the range in which tolerance in manufacture or variations in assembly are taken into consideration.
- Note that, the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately combined, modified, or omitted within the scope of the invention. While the present invention has been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is construed that numerous modifications that have not been exemplarily shown can be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- While the invention has been shown and described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (14)
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JP2016-248735 | 2016-12-22 | ||
JP2016248687A JP6824025B2 (en) | 2016-12-22 | 2016-12-22 | Manufacturing method of surface light source device, display device and surface light source device |
JP2016-248687 | 2016-12-22 | ||
JP2016248735A JP6837331B2 (en) | 2016-12-22 | 2016-12-22 | Manufacturing method of surface light source device, display device and surface light source device |
Publications (2)
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US20180180943A1 true US20180180943A1 (en) | 2018-06-28 |
US10539825B2 US10539825B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 |
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US15/830,702 Expired - Fee Related US10539825B2 (en) | 2016-12-22 | 2017-12-04 | Planar light source apparatus, display apparatus, and method of manufacturing planar light source apparatus |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11022842B2 (en) * | 2017-09-26 | 2021-06-01 | Enplas Corporation | Planar light source device and display device |
US20230350246A1 (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2023-11-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Display apparatus and light source device thereof |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP1788302A4 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2011-08-24 | Fujifilm Corp | Transmittance adjuster unit, planar illumination device, liquid crystal display device using the same, and transmittance adjuster arrangement method |
JP4899502B2 (en) | 2005-03-07 | 2012-03-21 | 日亜化学工業株式会社 | Surface irradiation light source and surface irradiation device |
JP4479805B2 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2010-06-09 | ソニー株式会社 | Lens, light source unit, backlight device, and display device |
JP2014038697A (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2014-02-27 | Panasonic Corp | Backlight device and liquid crystal display |
WO2012101715A1 (en) * | 2011-01-25 | 2012-08-02 | パナソニック株式会社 | Backlight device and liquid crystal display device |
WO2014065823A1 (en) * | 2012-10-26 | 2014-05-01 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Illumination control |
CN103032816B (en) * | 2012-12-14 | 2015-01-07 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Dodging lens, backlight module using dodging lens and display device |
CN103062705B (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2015-04-08 | 冠捷显示科技(厦门)有限公司 | Large-angle diffusing optical lens |
JPWO2016194798A1 (en) * | 2015-06-02 | 2017-06-15 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Surface light source device and liquid crystal display device |
-
2017
- 2017-12-04 US US15/830,702 patent/US10539825B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11022842B2 (en) * | 2017-09-26 | 2021-06-01 | Enplas Corporation | Planar light source device and display device |
US20230350246A1 (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2023-11-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Display apparatus and light source device thereof |
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US10539825B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 |
CN108227296A (en) | 2018-06-29 |
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